The Courtship Rhymes 



OF 



Hebec and Lesbia 



"3505 




BY 

Lizzie Caldwell and G. J. Hunt 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. Copyright No. 

' — /fOO 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

11—404 



THE 

COURTSHIP 

RHYMES 



OF 



HEBEC AND LESBIA 



BY 



LIZZIE CALDWELL 

AND 

GEO. }. HUNT 



publishers: 

GEO. J. AND L. C. HUNT, LAMAR, MO. 



68285 



J_ibrMxy of Concjrose 

'vs:^ I'jpiLi: Received 
OCT 30 1900 

. ' Copynghl entry 

StCt^ND COPY. 

Ob('«vei'^ to 

OHOtH DU'iSlON, 

NOV 23 1900 



f ^ 3 J-^^ ^ 



COPYRIGHTED BY 

GEO. J. AND L. C. HUNT- 

1900. 



PRESS OF 

WARREN BROTHERS^ 

RICH HILL, MO. 



PREFACE 

For nearly fifteen years Hebec and Lesbia 
were something more to each other than ordi- 
nary schoolmates and friends. The verses found 
in this little book were written during these 
halcyon days of youth; they may be counted 
as a part of the correspondence that brought 
the writers near to each other even when miles 
lay between them. 

The sentiment is not of fiction, but from 
life; and, therefore, sacred. The rhymes were 
written, not for publication, but for our mutual 
pleasure; and we two read with understanding 
hearts And you, dear reader, whether you are 
loitering along the beautiful way of courtship or 
have launched upon the sea of wedded life, will 
know that all is not written, and will discern 
with nice vision the most beautiful part between 
the lines. And we would wish that as you 
loiter, or sail, and read, that you may find in 
this little volume some thought to please, 
some word to cheer; some added strength for 
life's battles. 

IvESBiA AND Hebec. 



FIRST SHALL BK LAST 

While in my early days of youth. 
And in my happy days, forsooth. 
Amid the many pla3ar.ates, small, 
Like one sweet rose, the sweetest of all, 
I knew a mother's eldest ehild 
Destined to cross this earthly wild. 

vShe was not very beautiful. 
Though doubtle,ss always dutiful. 
Her hair was dark, her eyes were blue; 
Her voice was gentle, her actions, too; 
A sunny smile played o'er her face. 
In harmony with perfect grace. 
A mind was hers, both strong and meek, 
With which the virgin truth to seek; 
A heart so gentle, kind and true — 
The heart to captivate one, too: 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And I — oh, thoughtless child indeed, 
Those smiles so innocent to heed! 
Not friendship e'er was thought to be; 
For only children then wnre we. 

Full many days in school, we spent 
Together, as our mind we bent 
To rival each the other one. 
In spelling or whate'er was done; 
For that did seem to be the height 
Of our ambition's upward flight. 

And flew our early school days by. 
When end to them was very nigh; 
And we had ris'n, like final truth, 
To height of man's and woman's youth; 
One night, when every twinkling star 
Shed forth its lovely light afar, 
And all the heavens smiled above 
To fill the youthful heart with love, 
I offered escort at the door, 
Though she had gone alone before; 
And I had never thought it hard, 
That she should be without a guard. 
That night not many words we spoke; 
Nor passed we e'en a single joke: 



OF HKBEC AND LKSBIA 

But many silent thoughts were ours, 
Of moon and stars, of birds and flowers. 
Ah, shall I e'er that time forget. 
Which lingers in my mem'ry yet? 

Next day I saw that maid at school. 
More than attentive to the rule. 
She had always at hand a book; 
But gave me not one glancing look, 
Throughout that live-long sunny day; 
Nor seemed herself one half so gay. 
As she was want to do, by leave. 
From crimson morn till dewey eve. 

And thus it was week after week, 
She was so diffident and meek: 
But, when she was herself again, 
A second time I played the swain. 
The walk increased in interest; 
We gave, in turn, the timely jest: 
So, when we came to part once more, 
I asked to try these pleasures o'er. 

So now and then, I gladly paid 
Respects to her, sweet lovely maid, — 
And always found her true and kind. 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Of virtues full, no faults to find: 
And what of worth, however true, 
Was known or said between us two. 
She tried me always to excel 
In keeping secret, not to tell: 
A quality too hard to find 
Among the youth, of ev'ry kind. 
And when, by chance, I made a pun 
To criticize what she had done; 
Or spoke my private thoughts to free. 
And she therewith could not agree, 
She never turned away to pout, 
Or, sill}^ tossed her head about. 
The kindest words returned she ever, 
Which showed her good as she was clever. 
Then who so happy would not be, 
As he who shared her charity? 

But time went swiftly flitting by; 
Each smile was turned into a sigh. 
A student, sir, I went to be; 
To be a student, too, went she: 
But, then, my school was far away 
From hers, a hundred miles, they say. 

Absorbed in ancient languages, 



OF HEBEC x\ND LEvSBIA 

And all the modern sciences, 

I spent the time most pleasantly. 

I felt at perfect libert}' 

To cast my net on t'other side, 

And both its wings throw open wide: 

But not my boat to sink I would, 

By catching fish more than I should. 

Instead of which, I thought it better 

To write anon my friend a letter; 

And she, I trow, was quick to learn 

To answer promptly in return. 

We seldom wrote, and never much, 
To stir the mind, the heaft to touch. 
Our language would to any one 
Appear quite void of love or fun ; 
Howe'er, we both knew very well 
From whose si 3^ pen those calm words fell^ 
And thought there Vv'ould in time appear- 
Some precious facts to silence fear. 
Precious letters! — I have them yet — 
Shall I, immersed in cares, forget 
The hand that kindly wrote them me„ 
While I am blest with memory? 
No; I will ever hold it dear, 
And drop for her a grateful tear.. 



6 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Some two long weary years or more, 

Her college days ere mine were o'er. 

And after that it was her rule, 

To teach some distant country school. 

Which was to her a pleasant task; 

A pleasanter she did not ask. 

Some times she'd write me just to tell 

Why she liked her school so well; 

And say her school the best, she thought. 

Of any she had ever taught. 

When my school days had come to end, 
'She showed herself a faithful friend 
By wishing me a prosperous life, 
That would with much success be rife. 

Time passed. I had, at last, a chance — 

Enough to make the pious dance — 

To take her out with me to ride, 

A pleasure oft to her denied. 

'Twas one of those bright Sunday eves, 

When every herb is decked with leaves; 

And nature all appears to smile 

And, like the overflowing Nile, 

To burst with praise and thanks and love 

'To God of earth and heaven above. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 

AVe rode out in the balmy air, 
First here and there, then everywhere; 
And talked of this and that and t'other — 
One at a time, then all together, 
Until the evening was far spent — 
Our hearts, melting, together blent. 

We came upon a subject new 

To us, though may be not, to yoii. 

Good friends we e'er had been so far, 

The light of hope was but our star. 

We carefully the past went o'er, 

Then ventured out just one step more. 

I asked that we might both agree, 

Henceforth, to talk of unity; 

To show each other all our ways. 

And character in ev'ry phase; 

To put our thoughts together so. 

That each the other's heart could know: 

And not to hide a single thing. 

To wound the soul and sorrow bring. 

Too soon the scene to change began. 
Which proved me like another man — 
To hear, believe, and then reject 
With all the will I could collect. 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

'Twas said that in the dance was seen 
This very maiden that I mean, 
And that she was a dancer fair, 
Among the man}^ dancers there. 
This said, and wounded was my heart. 
As if 'twere pierced by poisoned dart. 
Indeed, I poisoned seemed to be, 
With doubt and incredulity; 
But hoped to find a perfect cure. 
In making my conclusions sure; 
By asking her if it were true. 
That she had been a dancing, too. 

The accusation she denied; 
So to his proof wa; thus defied 
The one such unjust charge had made. 
Of evidence without a shade. 
'Tween mutual, confiding hearts. 
There is somewhat than Cupid's darts. 
By which the inmost thoughts unfold 
With less obscurity than told: 
And, if in words these thoughts arise. 
That witness speaks to emphasize 
The truth, deceit to contradict; 
And seeks the untrue to convict 
And thus it was I realized 



OF HEBEC AND EESBIA 

The dearest thing man ever prized; 
So we are now a happy twain, 
About to cross life's solemn main. 

The future is to us unknown ; 

But we shall reap what we have sown; 

Of good, Vv'e trust, a hundred fold; 

Of bad — oh, may it not unfold 

Its serpent-leaves of tempting sin 

To draw the guiltless victims in! 

Let come what will, let come what may, 

In ev'ry thing we hope to say: 

May both our wills unite as one. 

And thine in us, O God, be done! 

— Hebkc. 



10 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



TO HEBKC 



INTRODUCTORY 



Your poetry, friend, I much admire; 

Your story is well told: 
I ne'er to such heights can aspire; 

I'm not witty, learned, nor bold. 

Be patient, then, with mistakes, my friend, 

In this my first attempt 
To put my thoughts in "musical rhyme"; 

Turn not away in contempt. 

The future shall find my humble thoughts 

Expressed as in the past: 
I say when I read these verses o'er, 

The first shall be the last. 



OF HEBEC AND I.ESBIA It 

POEM 

Since I have read "First Shall be Last," 

The past I've wandered o'er — 
Those happy, careless days of youth. 

That can return no more. 
Ah, then we dreamed but childish dreams. 

Of future joy and bliss; 
Nor thought that life would bring to us 

A harvest more than this. 

No vague dread doubts for future years, 

Did perfect peace oppose; 
No fear of friendship proving false. 

Disturbed a night's repose. 
For then our lives were but to-day, 

The past so short has been , 
The future fair before us lay; 

Success not hard to win. 

We then seemed only what we were;, 

Said only what we meant, 
Believed all people quite sincere 

In what they seemed intent. 
Alas, that childhood ends so soon! 

That we so soon should learn. 



12 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

That inmost feelin;^3 of the heart, 
The e3^e cannot discern. 

Although we often cease to trust 

Our friends of earh^ ^^outh, 
Yet we will never cease to wish 

Them guided in the truth. 
We can not know the good or ill, 

That in their hearts doth live: 
E'en though they've gone astray from 
right, 

'Tis kindness to forgive. 

Then, there are those whom we have 
known , 

From childhood until now, 
"Who've stood the test of time, and yet 

Their friendship us allow\ 
Oh. rich indeed we deem ourselves. 

Should we thus e'er be blest, 
With love and sympathy of those 

Who've known us long and best. 

Though we should roam in other lands. 

Not oft these friends may see, 
Yet w^ill their faces ever live, 



OF HEBEC AND I^ESBIA 13 

Enshrined in memory. 
If future years should cloud our sky, 

With sorrows hard to bear, 
Then may our friends as faithful be, 

As when our sky was fair. 

The human heart is strangely like 

A river, broad and deep, 
That flows through forests, dark and wild, 

Yet never fails to keep 
A surface smooth and undisturbed. 

Though over rocks it flows; 
And oft the sunshine is denied, 

As on its course it goes. 

For those who stand upon the shore 

And view a mighty stream, 
Know nothing of what lies beneath 

The waves that peaceful seem. 
We cannot know how great the cross. 

Our patient neighbors bear, 
We, too, have hidden sorrows, which 

Our neighbors cannot share. 

The sorrows that we feel the most 
Are those we bear alone. 



14 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

With none to note the unshed tear, 
Or make our griefs their own. 

Bright hopes, dark fears for coming years 
Within our hearts arise, 

Which we do far too sacred hold 
For untrue worldly eyes. 

Then what a solace is the friend, 

Who all our thoughts may know; 
Who sees the stony ground beneath, 

O'er which calm waters flow: 
•When darkness, falling thick around. 

Almost obscures the dawn, 
Who makes the sunshine nearer seem. 

And nobly cheers us on. 

I pray the current of our lives 

Be not disturbed by sin; 
'Mid all the toils and cares of life. 

May God's peace dwell within. 
Let us when Duty's voice shall call,. 

With ready hearts obey; 
From Wisdom's high and holy path, 

Oh, may we never stray. 

May naught that future years can bring. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 15 

Of falsehood or of truth, 
E'er make us doubt, or think less true, 

The friendship of our youth. 
And then, if sorrows deep should fall 

Around our pathway dim, 
God grant that we may never lose 

A perfect faith in him. 

And if, perchance, in future years 

We far apart should be, 
The pleasant mem ories of the past 

Will never part from me. 
They'll ever dwell within my heart, 

These visions of the past, 
Silent reminders then to me, 

That earthly joys fade fast. 



Alas, that we too oft should build 

Our hopes of earthly bliss; 
When in a week, a day, an hour. 

Our souls may fly from this 
Clay casket, and, unfettered soar 

To fairer realms above. 
Where naught disturbs their happiness, 

But all is peace and love. 



16 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

We in this fair, yet sinful world, 

Each have a work to do: 
God grant us, when that work is done, 

That we may say adieu. 
Without a fear, to those dear friends 

Whom we must leave behind; 
And thus leave earth and earthly things. 

With clear and happy mind. 

— Lesbia. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 17 



TRUE HEARTS CHANGE NOT 

In my life's fair early springtime, 
In my free and careless school days, 
Ere the faintest shade of sadness 
Cast a gloom around my pathway; 
When the flowers seemed the fairest; 
When the sky appeared the clearest; 
When the birds sang sweet above me, 
And the world was gay and happy; 
Ere I'd thought of life's grand mission, 
Or the end of our existence; — 
In those days, not long departed. 
Which. can never be forgotten. 
There was numbered with my school- 
mates 
One, who seemed unlike the others. 

Would you know just how he differed 
From the other youth and maiden, 
Who in memory still do linger? 
Ah, I would that I could tell you; 



18 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



But the thoughts which are arising, 
I can find no words to utter. 



He was not so grand or handsome, 

As to call forth admiration; 

He was not so bright or witty. 

As to hold undue attention, 

He was earnest in his studies, 

Kept his place by honest labor; 

Seldom left his post of duty, 

For the world's alluring pleasures; 

•Cared not for the world's cold scoffing. 

If he felt his God's approval; 

Lived for something higher, nobler, 

Than the pleasures of the moment; 

Knew that life was far too lieeting 

To be spent in idle dreaming. 

Though he valued worthy friendship, 

Scorned not words of praise or counsel, 

Yet his hopes and aspirations 

To no friendly ear were whispered: 

But his smile upon you falling, 

And the blue eyes steady gazing, 

Someway made you cease to doubt him, 

Or to think he was deceiving. 

Such to me appeared the classmate. 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 19 

Not exactly like the others. 

Thus we studied on together; 
Learned the lessons from our school- 
books; 
Met the questions in our grammars, 
Or the long words in our readers; 
Solved hard problems, ever trying 
All the tasks assigned, to render 
Well performed, and each as worthy 
Commendation from the teacher. 
Learning lessons, too, of patience, 
How to bear life's disappointments; 
How to feel another's sorrow, 
And to make that sorrow lighter, 
As we slowly passed from childhood, 
Learned that life was just beginning. 

If this early school time friendship. 
With my childhood days had ended. 
Now 'twould be almost forgotten. 
And this story be unwritten. 

'Twas one eve in early autumn. 

That we gathered at the school house; 

Passed the evening pleasantly, 



20 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And with joy and smiles were parting. 

Standing in the doorway, waiting 

Just a moment, I was startled 

By a deep voice close beside me, 

Offering escort and protection 

To me on my journey homeward. 

Beat my heart a trifle faster, 

As I simply answered "yes, sir." 

Then we onward walked together. 

Scarcely speaking to each other, 

Till we reached our destination. 

We had long been friends and playmates^ 

Yet we acted now as strangers. 

When the silent walk was ended, 

Then we said good-night, and parted. 

When again in school assembled, 

I turned eager to my lessons. 

There was naught could mar the pleasure 

Of an earnest search for knowledge. 

Soon the autumn days, so pleasant. 
Changed to winter, cold and frosty; 
Not a leaf waved in the hedges; 
Not a blade moved in the meadows; 
From the trees the birds had vanished: 



OF H^BEC AND I.ESBIA 21. 

All was brown and still and quiet. 
When the wintry nights^ were lengthen- 
ing, 
Oft for happy reciJeation, 
We would meet around some fireside;. 
And there while away the evening. 
Ah, were all these mem'ries pleasant,. 
What a field for pleasure gleaning! 
But among the jpyous visions. 
There are some we wish forgotten. 
When the evening drew to closing, 
And we to our homes returning, 
Glad and happy in the present, 
Then my friend would sometimes join me-; 
And the walks and talks together 
Only made the f-riendship stronger. 

One eve yet I well remember — 
May be now by him forgotten — 
As before the door we lingered, 
Standing in the mellow moonlight; 
With all nature still around us. 
With the heavens clear above us; 
Ere that npght he turned to leave me,. 
He had asked if any other 
In the depths ofc my affections 



22 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Held a higher place than he did. 

Did not tell me ere he asked it 

Of his choice, if he had any. 

At the question I had faltered; 

Did not answer prompt and ready. 

Then he hastened to assure me, 

There was noue esteemed above me. 

That if I preferred no other 

He would sometimes call on me. 

This to me was not displeasing; 

Yet I did not fully trust him; 

Wondered if to other maiden. 

Who received from him attention, 

He had made the same profession: 

But in very truth I told him, 

None would be more gladly welcomed. 

After this, when 'twas his pleasure 
And he thought no eye was watching; 
Thought no one would e'er discover 
Where he went, or vvhy went thither, 
He would stroll beyond the borders 
Of his usual daily wanderings; 
And with me would pass the evening. 

So the days kept coming, going. 
Many hours of sunshine bringing; 
Many bright hopes for the future, 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 23 

Round those sunny days were clustered. 
But the transient dreams were fleeting; 
Soon there came a time for parting; 
And the playmates of our childhood 
Far and near were widely scattered. 
Then my friend in search of wisdom, 
Wandered from his home and kindred; 
Turned his mind with anxious longing 
To some worthy school of learning; 
Found within a distant college,- 
The grand object of his searching; 
Found new friends and new enjo3ments, 
And was happy and contented. 

Now and then there came a letter, 

Filled with news and kindly wishes. 

There was mention of his studies, 

Of the merits of a lecture, 

Of a merry social party, 

Or an evening with the ladies — 

Not the letter of a lover; 

But a free and friendly message. 

Yet they all were fondly treasured — 

Trusting time to pierce obscureness — 

Guarded as my thoughts were guarded. 

From the careless observation 



24 THE COURTSHIP RHYMEvS 

Of the busy world around me. 
If the day dreams so enchanting, 
Proved but fanciful illusions, 
'Twould be easier to forget them, 
If to no ear 'twas confided 
That they ever had existence. 

When my early school days ended, 
I had breathed a silent blessing 
On familiar scenes and dearest, 
On beloved associations, 
And the sacred home of childhood; 
Turned my feet to western prairies; 
Entered once again the school-room,. 
Not as pupil but as teacher. 
Here mid scenes of rural beauty, 
In the lovely realm of nature, 
I found hearts as true and loyal, 
As e'er dwelt in princely palace. 

When the winter's work was over, 
And the sultry days of summer, 
Still and fair, would steal upon us, 
Then it was, with joy and sorrow. 
That we turned from newer pleasures,. 
And sought rest and sweetest comfort 



OF HEBEC AND LKSBIA 25 

'Mong the scenes and friends of child- 
hood. 
Thus the years passed very swiftly, 
Each one fraught with many changes. 
There were often vacant places, 
Where last year the smiling welcome 
Of a loved one beamed upon us; 
There were strange eyes idly gazing 
From the door where we were wonted 
To receive a cordial greeting. 
Where last year the corn was growing; 
Or the grass, waved tall and stately, 
Now there stands a modest cottage. 
E'en the little wooden school house, 
From its former place has vanished; 
And the play-grounds, well remembered, 
Are now quiet and deserted. 
But amid the many changes, 
Lived our friendship, ever constant. 

When his college days were ended. 

With a true zeal and ambition. 

He directed all his efforts 

To a thorough preparation 

For the work, which he had chosen. 

And the bright days of vacation 



26 • THE COURTSHIP RHYMKS 

With the past were nearly numbered. 
Ere he paid to me the tribute, 
That was due to loyal friendship. 

In the first sweet da3s of autumn, 
When no frost had nipped the blossoms. 
And no cold winds chilled the green 

leaves; 
When all nature seemed rejoicing, 
All unmindful of the winter 
And approaching dissolution. 
Then he came, and we together, 
For a pleasant drive, departed. 
For a time our conversation 
Drifted on in careless channels; 
But, as soft and gentle twilight 
Threw her witching veil around us, 
Laugh and jest became less frequent. 
And the thoughts expressed were earn- 
est. 
Then it was, he first confided 
To my ear his hopes and wishes; 
Asked that there exist between us 
Only true and perfect candor; 
That our very words and actions 
Be quite free from all deception; 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 2T 

That our thoughts be freely spoken, 
And we understand each other; 
That our lives be not enshrouded 
By the mystic cloud, pretention, 
But be ever pure and tranquil, 
As the light in depths pellucid. 

When he had that eve departed. 

Long I sat in meditation; 

With the stars of heaven, shedding 

Rays of holy light around me; 

With the star of hope, arising, 

Dimly shining in the distance. 

He who treads the path of duty 

With no fear or hesitation, 

Should not yield to idle dreaming. 

Or misgivings for the future. 

God will guide us on our journey, 

If in him our trust is resting. 

In my distant field of labor. 

Mind and hands were soon enlisted; 

And my heart was glad and happy 

In the love of merry children. 

But, withal there came no message 

From him whom my heart was trusting. 



:28 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

When again we were together, 
I was pained to hear him utter 
Words of unjust accusation; 
Words that Error's voice had wafted 
To his ears while 'I was absent. 
Though the poisoned dart of falsehood 
To innocence can bring no tarnish, 
Who can say that it is powerless 
To cause pangs of mental anguish? 
So these words of bitter meaning 
To m}' heart were slowly grievmg. 
Yet I thanked him most sincerely 
;For thus seeking explanation. 

■Now when June dawned with her roses, 
Hied my friend to grounds Eiysian, 
To the school where he had studied. 
To his well beloved college. 
Here he met again his classmates. 
Met the true and good and noble: 
-Heard the cause of Christ presented, 
Saw the need of Christian workers; 
^Felt that he should join the army. 
That was carrying salvation. 
To a waiting, dying people; 
'With a. true faith and devotion, 



OF HEBEC AND I^ESBIA 29 

Laid his all upon tne al't^ — 
Friends and home, hopes and ambition, 
All — to join the grandest mission, 
That to man can e'er be given. 

He that's known the peaceful comfort 

Of a home, retired and quiet, 

Happy in the many blessings 

Of a free and Christian nation; 

He that knows how brightly pamted 

Are hope's pictures of the future. 

To the youth, fired by ambition, 

In the fight of life to conquer; 

He who knows all this can never 

Doubt the earnest consecration 

Of the soul, who all is leaving 

For a work 'mong heathen people. 

Yet, if Christ we claim as leader, 

If we kneel and pray, "Thy kingdom 

Come on earth as 'tis in heaven"; 

If we've heard the great injunction: 

"Go ye unto every nation. 

Preach the Gospel to all creatures"; 

And the promise of His presence 

"Always" to the faithful servant; 

If we know the lost condition 



30 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Of our race, in outer darkness; 
If all this we know, how willing 
Ought we be to toil or suffer. 
That the souls of men and women 
Be not doomed to sad destruction. 

So, as we again are parted. 

As he goes for preparation 

For his work in distant countries: 

While we know not what is waiting. 

Whether it be joy or sorrow. 

For us in this life of trial; 

We are trusting One who's able 

Ever, always, to sustain us. 

Thou, our Father, guide his footsteps; 

Keep him ever in Thy presence. 

May he ne'er turn back nor falter. 

In the cause that he has chosen; 

Grant him grace and strength to conquer 

All temptations that oppose him: 

Grant him friends to cheer and comfort, 

When his sky by gloom is shadowed; 

Lead him safely through the billows 

Into everlasting glory! 

— Lesbia. 



OF HEBKC AND I^BSBIA 31 



WINONA 

Have you heard the story told 
Of the Indian maiden, bold, 
Who in fit of hopeless love 
Leaped down from the cliff above, 
"Maiden Rock," or "Lovers' Leap," 
On the rocks, into the deep; 
And the waves and dashing spray 
Hid the lifeless form away 
From the gaze of mortal eyes 
Never, never more to rise? 

'Tis a story sad to us 
And is oft related thus: — 

Daughter of Dakota chief 
Was Winona, dear and lief, 
Bright and lovely prairie flower 
As e'er kissed the dewdrop shower. 

Man\' braves, Dakota red, 



32 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Loved the pretty squaw, 'twas said; 
Loved her much pale-faced Seco, 
Who two shots the bluff below 
Had an Indian trading post 
And who proffered, oh, the most 
Money, beads, and peace and love 
For Winona, Red Chief's dove; 
And the chief said she should go 
To the teepee — Teepee Seco. 

Hated the trader the pretty squaw; 
Loved the young brave, Chippewa: 
And she said, deep in her heart, 
If m peace she could not part 
And enjoy the sacred moon 
In the arms of Little Coon, 
She'd breathe out her maiden breath 
In an awful scene of death. 

Just at that time went to war 
Chippewas and Dakotas far: 
'Twas unsafe tor Little Coon, 
Even by the mild-faced moon. 
Then to see Winona, fair, 
And a lover's feat to dare. 
But he loved the modest squaw, 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA • 33 

This young brave, a Chippewa, 
And rowed down the Pepin Lake 
In a canoe by night to wake 
His Winona, dear, by call 
Not unlike the duck's at all, 
Which the listening maiden caught. 
Answered it, the young brave sought, 
As a widowed dove her mate, 
Boldly fighting cruel fate. 

She one night her lover told 

That the old chief her had sold 

To the Prairie Chicken, sir; 

And that he had said to her 

She must go to the teepee 

Of Seco, and there must be 

Squaw to him, the trader, pale, 

Who had purchased her on sale. 

Moaning deep, she firmly said 

Ere she would the trader wed. 

From the bluff, like lightning's breath,. 

She would leap down into death. 

Little Coon then bade her flee 

'Way with him through wood and lea. 

"No," she said, "for then we die — 

Certain death! — both you and I; 



34 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

For Dakota warriors hate 
Chippewas, both small and great." 
Long they talked and very late 
O'er the stern decree of fate, 
Till they by their wits had planned 
To deceive the chief and land. 

AH the long bright sunny day 
Little Coon was hid away 
Near the bluff that towered high 
Toward the dazzling azure sky. 

"When Latona dropped her veil 
O'er the woodland, hill and dale, 
Red chief took the bonny squaw 
Contra love for Chippewa 
To the trader's post and fare 
Where he left her in his care. 

< Poor Winona now was sad. 
Not a word for Seco had; 
But she quiet sat and long 
Gazing at the starry throng. 
To her, like a cooing dove. 
Talked Seco of cordial love; 
But his words touched not her heart, 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 35 

Shielded safe irom Cupid's dart. 
Rising in her strength of will, 
She ran toward the rugged hilL 

Pale-faced trader was afraid 
He would lose this lovely maid; 
And as frightened deer would start, 
'Gan the chase with all his heart; 
But the nimble heel gazelle 
Left the tortoise, self and shell. 
In his slow but eager pace 
To o'er take and win the race. 
Up! Winona went with feet. 
Light and graceful, blithe and fleet. 
To the crest that tower'd high 
Toward the distant stellar sky; 
When Seco so shocked with fright 
Cried aloud with all his might. 
As a wildcat by the way 
Leaps upon its hungry prey. 
Hearing which the Red chief ran 
With his braves e'en to a man: 
But Winona did not shrink. 
Rushing to the very brink. 
Chanting loud the song of death, 
Gave a cry as in dispair — 



36 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Sprang out in the cold dark air! 

Hast'ning to the awful place 
Where the squaw had come apace. 
Heard the braves a heav}' sound 
Of a form that tumbled down 
From the crest unto the toe — 
Into the deep blue lake below! 
Looking down the rocky steep, 
They saw nothing four-trees deep: 
But they heard the waters roar, 
"Ah, Winona is no more!" 
Quickly rushed to Pepm Lake; — 
But the waves that ever break 
On the cold gray stones, they said. 
Clasped the form — Winona — dead; 
Bore it far away forever; 
She'd return no more--no never! 
Sad and slow they now returned 
To the place that she had spurned. 

Months and years were spent in grief. 
Naught but death could give relief 
To that pale-faced trader there 
And the Red chief bent with care. 
More than eighty years in vain 



OF HEBKC AND I.ESBIA 3iZ 

They said, Little Coon was slain 

And Winona borne away 

On the waves to endless day." 

But Winona had concealed 
'Neath her shawl, while in the field, 
A long rawhide rope, in truth, 
Which she would drop for the youth,. 
Hid away so still and meek, 
Without stopping e'en to speak, 
As the plan before was laid 
Secretly by youth and maid. 

When the shadow oi the earth 
Darkened every peasant's berth,. 
Then it was that Chippewa 
Climbed the bluff, provoking awe, 
Made noose at one end alone 
Of the rawhide. On the stone 
Near its very edge he laid 
There the noose which he had made;. 
Put the thong the point about 
Of the rock, projecting out, 
And the end with care let down 
From the cliff e'en to the ground,. 
Then he went below to wait 



38 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Brave Winona and her fate. 

When he heard her chant death's song, 

Tight he grasped the pending thong. 

Carefully Winona wound 

Close the shawl her breast around, 

Put the noose below her arm 

Where the shawl would shield from harm. 

And was ready for the leap 

From the rock out in the deep. 

Out a shrieking cry she gave! 

■Little Coon, the stout young brave, 

Holding tight the cord so sound, 

Let the little squaw adown. 

At the same time, with his feet 

Pushed a huge rock from its seat, 

Which precipitous and rash, 

Bounded forth with fearful dash, 

O'er the bank and into the water. 

As if 'twere the Red chief's daughter. 

When Winona touched the land, 

With her lover, hand in hand, 

She ran to the waters, blue, 

Where true Little Coon's canoe 

Lay awaiting all the day; 

And they breathless rowed avv^ay. 



OF HEBKC AND LKSBIA 39 

But the rope was taken too, 
Lest one seeing should pursue. 

They swept up the glassy lake; 
And, ere day began to break, 
With Its golden rays o'er head, 
As the frightened darkness fled, 
Tiiey were far within a wood 
Where none likely find them could. 
And where Little Coon had placed 
Food to suit the Indian's taste. 
Thence they journeyed north and far, 
Where the days much longer are; 
Crossed a river far away 
Into British Canada. 

Here they happy lived and free 
Jointly four score years and three; 
Changed their names and friends became 
To the whites, both sir and dame. 
And who but they knew the truth, 
Man or woman, maid or youth? 
'Kotas knew Winona dead: 
Chippewas both thought and said. 
By their foes with anger filled. 
Little Uoon was doubtless killed. 



40 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Brave Winona died at last, 
Aged nine and ninety past. . 
Little Coon then old and gray 
Laid her taded form away 
'Neath the aged nothern pine 
In the grand old forest, fine. 
Then he sought his wigwam nigh, 
And himself lay down to die; 
When a pale-face chanced along 
Unto whom was told this song 
Of the famous "lovers' leap" 
Into the blue Pepin deep. 
Little Coon then begged the man 
To preserve the artful plan; 
And when Chippewa had died, 
To be by Winona's side. 

— Hebec. 



OF HKBKC AND LESBIA 41 



KUGKNIA 

PRKLU.SORY : 

The day was dark, and overhead 
The birds careered as if in dread 
Of coming storm. And now and then 
The lightning's flash would fill the glen, 
And then the thunder's pealing sound 
Would die in distant roaring 'round. 

My heart was sad and full of fears. 
Weak fears they were, that coming years 
Be fraught with pain, and void of all 
That makes this life, to great and small, 
A joyous glimpse of that above — 
A life made bright and blest with love. 

And then how little does it take 
A woman's heart to crush and break! 
Why must it be, O, why be so, 
That she must ever hide her woe? 



42 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

That to no ear she dare impart 

The bitter thoughts that stir her heart? 

With thoughts like those to fill my brain 

Amid the patter of the rain, 

Not strange it was when turning o'er 

The leaves of rnemory slowly, slower, 

That in Eugenia's life I found 

A page which held my thoughts in bound. 



THE STORY. 

Oh well do I remember now 

The sunny face and cloudless brow 

Of that fair friend, my trusted mate. 

To whom I could my thoughts relate, 

My girlish secrets e'en unfold 

Nor fear that they would e'er be told. 

At home, in school, a willing ear 
Eugenia lent, my plaints to hear; 
A sympathizing word she gave, 
Some lightsome jest, or counsel grave; 
But always something that would cheer 
And make the burden light appear. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 43^. 

One pleasant autumn day she came 
To spend a week with me. The same 
Dear, loving gladsome heart to me, 
Although a heart no longer free; 
A face dispensing smiles and cheer, 
Which made hev to all people dear. 

How anxious is the world to know 
And share our joys. It is not slow 
To know and love, to closely cling 
Around the heart that sweet doth sing 
The songs of mirth and happiness; 
The cheerful one lacks no caress. 

But if the selfsame life be crushed. 
And if the winning songs be hushed, 
Behold the crowd, receding, turn 
To gayer scenes. Sad hearts must learn, 
To cover all^ the tears with smiles, 
To banish care by cunning wiles. 

This loved friend, confidingly, 
In sweetest trust, had told to me 
That ere the roses filled tlie air 
Again with fra?;rance, she might bear 
The name of him who e'en now i eigne. 1 



44 THie COXTRTSeiP >RH\TVIES 

A monarch in the heart he'd gained. 

Her joy was mine. I little dreamed 
That when the winter's beauty gleamed 
In dazzling splendor o'er the land, 
A letter by her sister's hand 
Would tell me that her life so brief 
Seemed near its close, to our great grief. 

I read it o'er in sad surprise, 
Nor checked the tears that filled my eyes. 
'I trusted that she would not die, 
1 waited, hoped, till by and by 
To me a precious letter came, 
Penned by her hand signed her dear 
name. 

Her life was spared, yet not the gay 
-And careless girl, who watched one day 
The train that bore me far apart 
Could I again behold. The heart 
That then had been so bright and glad 
'Was bleeding now, was dark and sad. 

She only spoke then of the cloud 
That 'round her hovered like a shroud. 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 45 

So chill, SO cold this life appeared, 
She almost wished when she had neared 
The pearly gate, the jasper sea, 
That death had set her spirit free. 

But thoughts like these we must not 

speak, 
E'en though our heart seem nigh to 

break. 
There's something yet for which to live, 
Some joy to get, some good to give. 
We still n-iUst live and labor on, 
And hope for fairer fields beyond. 
When spring, in verdant robes arrayed, 
Appeared on hillside, glen and glade, 
And o'er the landscape deftly threw 
A covering fresh and sweet and new, 
I said, "O, how can souls be sad? 
The gentle spring should make us glad" 

The lovely springtime passed away. 
And then one sunny, summer day 
I found myself within the home 
To which I oft before had come, 
A happy guest. The scenes arise, 
In memory fresh, before my eyes. 



46 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

The orchard where so oft we went 
And passed the hours in sweet content; 
The names we carved upon the tree 
Again in fancy, do I see. 
The hedge, behind whose kindly leaves 
We hid, while fragrant evening breeze 

Bore to our ears the murmurs low 
Of lover's words in rhythmic flow. 
The pleasant room, the quiet nook. 
Where earnest talk,, or charming book 
Gave pleasant pleasure to the mind 
Nor left regret or pain behind. 

And now we wandered once again 

Adown the narrow little lane. 

1 held her hand and walked beside 

The girl who would have been a bride 

Before the early violets grew. 

If he she trusted had been true. 

I listened while the story fell 
In truthful words, I knew full well,. 
From loving lips. She did not speak 
One harmful word of him, nor seek 
To bring upon his cherished name 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 47 

One unjust thought or word of blame. 

Alluring eyes to him appealed 

And he was weak enough to yield. 

"Not wilh'ng he to be untrue; 

'Twas others led him," well she knew. 

But he must be who shared her life, 

More strong: she could not be his wife. 

VVe came at last unto the door 

Then turned and walked the distance 

o'er. 
Confiding voices from behind 
Came to on the summer wind. 
Her sister and her sister's friend 
Came nearer and the talk must end. 

Four girls next eve, in mood sedate, 
Turned as they heard the front yard gate 
Swing on its hinges to and fro. 
Then footsteps on the walk below: 
Heard on the stair a gentle tread, 
And then a mother's voice, which said: 

"A gentleman whom well you know. 
Waits in the parlor just below." 



48 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Then glancing at Eugenia's face, — 
Which bore of inner pain no trace, — 
She added with a doubtful air, 
''Come down, or not, as you prefer." 

Her sister, quick to share her woe. 
Said to Eugenia, "Shall I go?" 
With artful smile, in thoughtful mood, 
Eugenia moved from where she stood. 
Said, as she smoothed her hair so brown, 
^'He shall not know. I will go down." 

They stopped a moment, then were gone, 
And I was in the room alone — 
Alone to think, to ponder, dream 
Of things that are not what they seem; 
Of life's deceptive, changing scenes 
Where Pain from Pleasure often gleans. 

To see her lover's face again 

Must bring Eugenia newer pain; 

Must make the sweet hours passed with 

him 
Like priceless gems in settmgs grim; 
Must fill her heart anew with dread 
As hopes once bright lay crushed and 

dead 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 49 

Yet she had dared of her own choice 
To see his face, to hear his voice; 
Her woman's heart, her woman's pride 
Impelled her thus her care to hide. 
Ah, had no other motive moved 
Her, then, to go to him she loved? 

Did she not long to gaze once more 

Into his face, as when of yore? 

To hear the voice that spoke in praise 

Of her fair face and virtuous ways? 

'Tis hard to forfeit bliss to-day 

To take the future's stmg away. 

Soon through the softly opened door 
Eugenia passed. Her pale face wore 
A transient smile. The lovely eyes 
Were dimmed with tears that would 

arise. 
The quivering lips no word would speak 
Lest into sobs the voice should break. 

She crossed the room and found a seat 
Upon the hassock at my feet. 
I drew the fair head gently down 
And stroked the silken waves of brown; 



50 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Knowing that words, howe'er well meant, 
Would useless be till tears were spent. 

Then when the first great burst of grief 
Had found in tears a sweet relief, 
I begged that she would try forget 
And find in life some pleasure yet. 
A dying world claimed work and love; 
God asked it from his throne above. 

She thought if she might but depart 
From well-known scenes, 'twould heal 

her heart. 
She longed to leave the loved home 
And in a distant land to roam; 
To go where naught would bring to mind 
The broken hopes she left behind. 

If friends at home, whose loving zeal 
To soothe the pain they could not feel 
Oft pierced her heart anew, could know 
How eagerly she wished to go, 
They surely then could not deny 
To answer "yea" her pleading cry. 

We talked until a warning call, 



OF HEBKC AND I.ESBIA 51 

""Eugenia," sounded through the hall. 
She brushed the tears away in haste — 
Which not her beauty had defaced — 
And in a voice both firm and clear, 
Sent back the answer, •*! am here." 

Then made the victory complete 
Ty turning with a smile to greet 
The girls who walked into the room. 
No one would guess the dismal gloom 
That had so lately veiled her eyes, 
And hid the sunshine of her skies. 

Soon after this I bade adieu 

To these dear friends, loyal and true. 

Alas, the future none can tell! 

This proved a long — a last farewell. 

Eugenia's wish was gratified, 

Her yearning heart was satisfied. 

She journeyed to another clime. 
Resolved to trust the healer, Time. 
She breathed the healthful mountain air 
With hope to conquer grim despair. 
She found within this safe retreat 
New health and heart, and love most 
sweet. 



52 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

She dwells, from old-time friends apart, 
The idol of a manly heart. 
Among the mountains, rough and drear, 
She finds the woman's ideal sphere— 
The first place in the love and life 
Of him who fondly calls her wife. 

May on her future joy await, 
And may she never rue the fate 
Which led her to this distant land. 
May he who won her bonny hand 
Possess in bliss that naught can mar 
Her whole heart, healed without a scar. 

— Lesbia. 



OEHEBBC'A^^D' LKSBIA. 5S 



PAINS OF PARTING 

Then must we part? forever part? 
And leave each wounded, bleeding heart 
To suffer much and long alone 
With griefs to us before unknown? 
Oh, friend, is this — is this the fate 
That w^e in painful silence wait?. 

Chorus. 
Oh, would, that we had never met, 

Never met, never met, 
Oh, would that we had never met! 
For deeper sorrows wait us yet. 

Wait us yet, wait us yet, 
For deeper sorrows wait us yet! 

If I recall the merest past, 
The slightest thing between us cast,. 
'Tis both a blessing and a curse — 
'Tis nothing better, nothing worse — 
The past w^as earthly bli.ss to me;, 



54 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

The future shall ne'er blissful be. 

This cruel moment tears and parts 
The tender fibers of our hearts, 
Which in their S3mipathy entwine 
So like the tendrils of the vine, — 
And leaves to faint, to pine, to die 
^ach tender thought, each gentle sigh, 

— Hebec, 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 55 



WOULDST THOU FORGET? 

Then dost thou wish, O friend of mine, 
That friendship like to mine and thine 

Hadst been forever parted? 
The thought in pensive hours appears 
So sad to me, and bitter tears 

Into mine e\^es have started. 

If we to-night shouldst sa}^ adieu 
And know our lives, that hitherto 

Seemed nearing coalescence, 
Must now forever lay apart. 
Then wouldst thou wish within thy heart 

Thou ne'er hadst known my presence? 

If thou couldst take that shining web, 
The past, and as the moments ebb, 

Couldst pull the threads asunder; 
Then weave again the golden strands, 
As passing through thy skillful hands. 

How would they fall, I wonder! 



56 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Ah, wouldst thou take the threads I trace,. 
Our lives, that Fate with artful grace 

Together e'en hast blended, 
And weave them in so firm, complete. 
That they should never, never meet. 

Then count the memory ended? 

Wouldst thou the friendship of the 3^ears 

Destroy, dissolve in blinding tears. 

The past no longer cherish? 

Have sympathy and love and trust, 

« 
So sweet before, left, as the dust 

In divers winds, to perish? 

O, friend, the past to me is fair. 
Not yet hast watchful, dark Despair 

Quite made me to regret it. 
The past! Fair as a rose full blown, — 
Ah, do the bright leaves hide the thorn? 

Not now would I forget it. 

And yet I thank an all-wise God 
That thus far on life's rugged road, 

A friend to me is given, 
Whose presence e'er inspires my soul 
To reach earth's fairest, purest goal. 

And leads me up toward Heaven. 

— Lesbia. 



OF HKBEC AND LKSBIA 57 



A MERRY CHRISTMAS. 

Hear, O hear the merr\' voices, 

Ringing through the wintry air, 

Ever}' heart leaps and rejoices; 

Mirth and music everywhere. 

Ah, how sweet it is to listen 

To the children's gleeful shout; 

And to see their young eyes glisten, 
Clouded not by care or doubt. 

How it fills our hearts with pleasure. 
And our eyes, perchance, with tears. 

When we see how full the measure 
Of God's care for us appears. 

Now again we hear the story, — 

None so sweet, so pure, so grand, — 

How God's Son, his home in glory 
Left, and how an angel band 



58 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Bore to men the joyful tidings 
Of a loving Savior's birth: 
And whose reign, fore'er abiding, 

lyOve and peace would bring on earth. 

Oh, that all might hear the message; 

That the light of Bethlehem's star, 
Of his birth the heavenly presage. 

Reach the darkened lands afar; 

And that knowing was believing, 
And accepting grace divine; 

That. the servants thus receiving, 

In this world a light would shine. 

— Lesbia. 



OP HEBEC AND LESBIA 59.* 



HEBEC'S DREAM. 

In the silent hours of midnight, 
While I pillowed on my bed, 

Came a dream most dark and hellish 
Filling me with hate and dread. 

As I, shunning, fled the vision 
As a duck would flee a kite. 

Waked I from such eursed dreaming— 
Waked I in the dead of night, 

And besought, "Oh God, forgive me 
That sueh fiendish dream a place 

Finds within my quiet slumber — 
All-sufficient is thy grace!" 

Once again my being slumbered, 

Floating down life's peaceful stream 
Once again, in silent midnight, 

Breathed my soul the breeze of dream. 



tj60 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And I thought me in a cottage, 

Quaint and strange 3^et neat and clean 
'Where the3^ made me not a stranger 
To that pleasant twilight scene. 



Bye and bye, I took departure 

From that neat and humble -cot, 

Passing through the maiden's parlor; 
Why I should that know I not. 

There within no astral candle 

Shed its dazzling rays of light, 

For the moon, so soft and mellow, 
Had dispelled the dismal night. 



Place of all it seemed most hol}^: 
So I said there all alone, 

"I will in this lovely moon-light 

Praise the God upon the throne. 



Lo! I saw, as 'twere, an angel — 

No, a sleeping lovely maid — 
On a sofa by the window 

Where the laughing star-light played. 



OP HKBKC AND IvKSBIA 61 

Robed she was in modest garments, 

Graceful, tranquil, pure and white; 

Of her purity the emblem. 

Of her character the plight. 

Ah, it was my love, my darling, 

Whom my arms would have embraced 

And my lips have pressed her liplets 
And my eyes her own have traced. 

But I dare not while she's sleeping 
lycst, to fill my soul with bliss, 

I'd disturb, or mar, or lessen 

Hers by my undreampt of kiss. 

So I softly whispered, "Lesbia;" 
And, with very slight surprise, 

Up she started from her slumber, 
Sweetl}^ looked into my e3^es? 

But, alas! the vision vanished, 

And with it my moment's bliss, 

For I lay there on a matrtess — 
No, not half so good as this. 

Yet I thank my God in heaven. 



62 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

While I room in old Heck Hall 
And the demons howl around me, 
That I ever dreamed at all; 

For one hour of blissful dreaming 
Is worth more than half a score 

Spent in idle hopeless living — 

Ever wishing something more. 

— Hebec. 



OF he:bec and i^esbia 63 



AMONG THE WII.I.OWS 

Not far away 'mong hills of gray, 

Across the prairies old; 
'Neath sunny skies of blue there lies 

A home, within whose fold, 
Dwell sisters two with eyes of blue, 

And hearts so blithe and free; 
It seemed that they thought life but play, 

And deemed 'twould always be. 

The elder girl , with roguish curl 

Of hair, a changing red, 
Brushed from a brow of fairest snow, 

At once drove from your head 
The thought that may but yesterday 

A fact seemed to your mind — 
That glowing hair and woman fair 

Are never found combined. 

And when you see the lightsome glee 
Shine in those laughing eyes; 



64 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And hear the clear laugh full of cheer 
Ring out in glad surprise, 

You'd know without a shade of doubt 
That o'er her sweet 3^oung life, 

No sorrow great of love or hate 
Had fallen with its strife. 

The other face, of equal grace. 

Was crowned with waves of light: 
Thrown back with care, the golden hair 

Disclosed the temples white. 
A merry smile would oft beguile 

The red lips' calm repose; 
The eyes withal would rise and fall 

As passion fell and rose. 

Although her years of hopes and fears 

vSo ver}' few had been. 
She'd learned in school more than the rule 

By wisdom's books shut in: 
YoungCupid's dart had pierced her heart, 

She'd met her one ideal. 
A mystic shade, the shaft had made 

Her think the fancy real. 

An orphan lad the havoc had 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA . 65 

In innocence thus wrought; 
His black eyes gazed and were amazed, 

x\nd blue eyes black eyes sought; 
A smile, a glance, did but enhance 

The romance thus begun; 
A little walk, a quite talk, 

The two hearts beat as one. 

Into this home there chanced to come 

One pleasant autumn day, 
A teacher who had bid adieu 

To dear ones far away. 
And soon she knew that 'tween these two 

Some other subject lay 
Than well to store with learning's lore 

Their minds from day to day. 

She saw love's fire rise like a spire. 

Nor tried to quench the flame. 
Perhaps her mind backward inclined 

To schooldays, when the same 
Delightful dreams, like fitful gleams 

Of moonlight 'mong the trees. 
Had filled her breast with sweet unrest, 

And hopes and fears like these. 

One Sunday eve he called by leave 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Of this fair, girlish maid, 
And 'twas agreed that all proceed 

To church; but soon a shade 
Of gloom o'er cast the sky, and fast 

Rain pattered in descent. 
Although from home they could not roam , 

The lovers were content. 

They happy were, heedless the whir 

Of tramping feet above; 
Nor thought of fear, they did but hear 

The w^hispered w^ords of love. 
Soon down the stair a gleeful pair 

Of girls quite free from woe. 
On mischief bent and fun intent. 

Came silently slow. 



They hastened through the kitchen, too. 

Out in the stilly night; 
No moon did shine, but open blind 

Poured forth a stream of light. 
And, 'neaththe trees, a sight to please 

They smiling did behold. 
The willow^s bowed and smiled aloud 

That lovers were so bold. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 67 

To see was dear, but sure to hear 

Would be exceeding good; 
So one sl}^ maid, of naught afraid, 

By nearer window stood. 
But soon she flew, and then these two 

Quick up the stairway fled. 
And when the one came up alone. 

They were asleep (?) in bed. 

— Lesbia. 



THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



HIS IDEAL. 

Though sitting here sedate and lone. 
My humble thoughts are not my own 

In kind or quality; 
And yet imagination paints 
No picture of angelic saints 

In Christian charity. 

I see no maid of royal birth, 
The fairest of the fair on earth 

With perfect form and face, — 
A merry laugh, a gentle voice. 
An honest look — a lover's choice — 

A step of charming grace. 

Nor see I e'en a maiden tall, 

With slender waist; graceful and small — 

The choice of classic verse — 
With long, breeze-flowing, raven hair; 
Brown eyes, red cheeks, calm face and fair 

Her language pure and terse. 



OF HKBKC AND LKSBIA Q9> 

Instead of these I have in mind 
No picture of a simpler kind 

To represent the truth; 
For only abstract virtues fill 
My very soul and make it thrill 

With all the hopes of youth. 

Of all tjiese qualities the best 
With which a woman may be blest, 

Is a pure and noble heart; 
E'er full of tender love and zeal 
To help the poor, the sick to heal 

By simple Christian art. 

Oh, how my longing heart doth beat 
To find these virtues all complete 

In some one modest life! 
Yea, all that heart could wish, or should. 
Combined in noble womanhood — 

A friend, a love, a wife! 

— Hebkc. 



70 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS OF C HRISTIAN 
DUTY 

The time draws near when we delight, 
By kindly words and tokens sent. 
To celebrate the glad advent 

Of Christ upon this earth's dark night. 

We can but stop and turn aside 

From smiling faces, glad and bright, 
From eyes filled with a holy light. 

From hearts in which Christ's peace abides; 

From Christian homes within whose folds 
There dwell unmindful of the cries 
That from so many souls arise, 

Whose eyes no Christmas morn beholds. 

Or, what I hold as scarce less sad. 

The heart that's heard of Christ's great love; 

And how for us his home above 
He left, quite willifigly and glad. 



OF HEBEC iVND LESBIA 71 

That he the debt of man to God 
Was thus permitted to repay, 
And God's just anger thus allay, 

E'en though it cost his life and blooJ. 

The heart that knows his love and deeds, 
Yet will not heed the gifts divine; 
But yet will worship at earth's shrine — 

To whom his love all vainly pleads. 

Ah, when the golden sun sinks low, 

What sound disturbs the twilight hour? 
What breaks fair Fancy's subtle power, 

And calls our minds to sin and woe? 

Across the ripened fields of grain, 

Borne on the pure, free country air. 
From lips that ought to move in prayer, 

We hear God's holy name in vain. 

O Christians in this favored land, 

Who long to show the love and zeal 
That in his righteous cause you feel, 

Arise, the harvest is at hand. 

The work is great: the field is wide: 



72 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

From far and near you hear the cry — 
Doth not his Spirit from on high 
Bid you arise! trust him to guide? 

You know that there is work to do 
Beyond the ocean's heaving tide; 
And were you on the other side, 

No task would be too great for you. 

You willing are to leave your home, 

Your friends, your hopes, your wealth, your 
all; 

To leave your body, at Death's call, 
'Mong strangers in a foreign tomb. 

Or 'mid the city's v/retched poor. 

You willingly would pass your days. 
To teach their lips to speak the praise 

Of the Great God whom you adore. 

The work, you think, lies just beyond. 

It is afield that's closed to you; 

O, do not let the farther view 
Shut out the ripening grain around. 

Close not your heart to distant fields; 



OF HKBEC AND LKSBIA 73 

Remember in your prayers the band 
Of laborers in a foreign land; 
Ask God to be their strength and shield. 

Remember, too, the struggling throng 

Amid the city's strife and din; 

Pray that the lives, oppressed by sin, 
Be filled with light and hope and song. 

But, if you can not now unite 

Your hands and voices with your prayers. 
In soothing grief and lessening cares. 

And bringing gospel love and light 

To needy ones so far away, 

Be none the less to duty true; 

Let not the work that you would do 
Prevent your doing what you may. 

Ah, when all work on earth is done; 

When from their graves the dead arise; 

When every race beneath the skies 
Shall hear tlie plaudits they have won; 

When you, before God's judgment bar. 
The people of all ages meet, 
The loved ones that on earth you greet, 

And unknown faces from afar — 



74 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Then which would give you greater woe, 
O which would be the keener dart, 
To hear the awful doom, "Depart," 

To one you knew on earth below; 

Or would you greater anguish feel 
To see the unfamiliar face, 
Of foreign clime and other race, 

Condemned for sins you could not heal? 

Think ye that He who from above 

Doth watch our deeds, doth feel our woe; 
Doth read our thoughts, our hearts doth know 

Can, in the fullness of his love, 

E'en count us guiltless in that day 
If we have not been faithful in 
Beseeching souls to turn from sin, 

And walk with us the narrow way? 

We can not live too near our God; 

We can not do too much for him; 

Let not the eye of faith grow dim 
Nor hearts despair in doing good. 

E'en in this life, we do not fail 

To reap the fruits that we have sown; 
A sure reward lies just beyond 

This fleeting life and death's dark vale. 

— Lesbia. 



OF HEBEC AN^D I^ESBIA T5» 



WOULDST THOU CARE ? 

If this hour should part us ever, 

Wouldst thou care? 
If thine eyes behold me never, 

Wouldst thou care? 
If no gentle thoughts and tender 
Longer to thee should I render, 

Say, darling, wouldst thou care 



Farther from thee should I wander,. 

Wouldst thou care? 
O'er thy tokens never ponder, 

Wouldst thou care? 
And thy face not once remember, 
Rosy June or bleak September, 

Say, darling, wouldst thou care? 

Should my heart grow cold and colder^ 

Wouldst thou care? 
Should my words grow hard and bolder,. 

Wouldst thou care? 



76 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And should I despise th^^ token, 
Leave my vows neglected, broken, 
Say, darling, wouldst thou care? 

If I'd smile upon another, 

Wouldst thou care? 
Be to her more than a brother, 

Wouldst thou care? 
Give her e'en my heart's affection, 
And our love become perfection, 

Say, darling, wouldst thou care? 

Be it so, my darling never! 

If thou'd care. 
Shouldst thy heart turn from me ever, 

I would care. 
May our Father each to-morrow 
Save us from such untold sorrow! 

Ah, my darling, we would care! 

— Hebec. 



OF HEBKC AND I.ESBIA 77 



TWILIGHT PRAYERS 

Like a bright sunbeam, 
On the silver gleam 

Of a light across the lea, 

Is the thought that one, 
When the day is done, 

Breathes a silent prayer for me. 

And my heart is glad, 

Though it has been sad, 
When 1 think that far away, 

In the evening gloom 

Of a student's room, 
For me some one dear doth pray. 

Yes, a still small voice 

Bids my heart rejoice, 
And within sweet peace doth dwell 

At the even-tide; 

For what e'er betide 
Our God doeth all things well. 



78 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

He is ever just. 

1 have learned to trust 
Him along life's pathway dim. 

On the balmy air 

It is good that prayer 
And praise do ascend to Him. 

So when daylight dies- 

In the western skies, 
When the morning's light I see^ 

From my heart there goes. 

Then a prayer for those 
Who lovingly pray for me. 

For the loved at home 

From whose arms I roam,. 
I protecting care implore; 

And a prayer impart 

For a noble heart 
Near the Michigan's lake shore. 

Should his love for me 

E'er inconstant be, 
Or if in his twilight prayer 

1 no thought receive, 

Ah, my heart 'twould grieve; 
Yes^ in truth, I then would care. 

— Lesbia. 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 79 



IN MY DEN 

Clear and cold without, 
Whistling winds about; 

Mighty angry rolling waves, 
Lashed in foaming spray 
On the rocks of gray, 

Turn to skulk away like slaves. 

Suddenly a leap 
From the mighty deep 

'Gainst the everlasting rock, 
Gives the maddened foe, 
Which was beaten so 

At each time-repeated shock. 

Thus with frantic ire 

Flaming like a fire. 
Oft the fractious waves assault 

Ev'ry stubborn rock 

That presumes to mock 
Them, or self e'er to exalt. 



80 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And the atmosphere, 
Very cold and clear, 

Manifests a cloudless sky, 
Set with silver lights- 
Candles of the night — 

To guide ev'ry pilgrim's eye. 

Nature all and time 

In this rigid clime 
Indicate a cold abstract 

Virtue, with no sign — 

Sign of care benign, 
Or a sympathetic act. 

What of fiow'ry glen! 

In this dismal den 
'Tween these antique prison walls, 

Builded me around 

As my utmost bound, 
Unto me the fortune tails. 

Here I'm all alone, 
Where none, strange or knownj 
E'er disturb my quiet room — 
None of frail mankind — 
While I, aught to find, 



OF HKBEC AND LESBIA 81 

Delve in light, or midnight gloom. 

But the demons blue, 

Black and fiendish, too, 
With eye wicked, brimstone breath, 

Through the window peep, 

In at keyhole creep — 
Ev'ry visage grim as death! 

Gnashing with their teeth, 

Shrieking from beneath 
Bed and table, books and all, 

Raging like a fire, 

Satan — son and sire — 
Threat but dare not on me fall. 

In my hours of sleep, 

Fiendish spirits creep 
Into sweet and pleasant dreams, 

With my courage fight, 

Put my rest to flight— 
Ah, the night as horror seems! 

Must I with them strive 
That my soul survive? 
Oh, how can I spirits brave! 



82 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Wicked elf-like kinds — 
Demons, devils, fiends! 
Hear them all around me rave! 

Were there but a mind, 

Sympathetic, kind, 
To assist in the atttempt, 

Courage would not fail, 

Nor my spirit quail 
Till I from them were exempt. 

Chance, there he another. 

Friend, or sister, brother, 
Who, though lonesome e'en as I, 

Has a sympathy 

For whoever be 
Lonely when or where or why; 

Or, perchance, there dwell 

In a quiet dell 
Some, fair, sweet, and merry lass 

Who would send each day 

That enchanting ray, 
Hope, to melt this heartless mass; 

Or, perchance, there be 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 83 

That remembers me 
One of noble heart and life, 

Pure and gentle, good 

Unto all that would 
Nobly conquer in the strife — 

One of patient love. 

Harmless as a dove, 
As a cunning serpent, wise; 

And whose tender heart 

Would to all impart 
Kindness and it emphasize. 

If so, will not she 

In her sympathy. 
Unto the eternal God 

Offer up a prayer. 

That his watchful care 
Be to me protecting rod? 

And will He not, then, 

Answer prayer again? 
Not his tender mercies such 

Fervent prayers and tears 

Of a soul that fears 
God, our God, availeth much? 



84 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Oh, how little trust 

This frail mortal must 
Have in God who would redeem 

Man from tyrant-sin, 

And the spirit win 
To life peaceful as a dream! 

Humbly I confess 

This unfaithfulness. 
And implore Thee to forgive,. 

Father, Son, and Dove; 

Oh, Thou God of love. 
Let a ransomed sinner live! 

Can I lonely be. 

While Thou dwell'st with me? 
Shall I fiendish spirits fear. 

Though their number be 

As infinity, 
And they all surround me here? 

Though they, fierce and bold. 

Should on me lay hold. 
Shriek and yell and threaten wiles; 

Yet my peaceful breast 

Would sink into rest 
At thy all-approving smiles. 



OF HKBEC AND I.ESBIA 85. 

Therefore, in the thought 

That some soul was taught, 
Possibly unconsciously. 

In some way, to feel 

What it must conceal — 
Tender love and sympathy; 

And in conscious trust 

That Thou always dost 
Unto poor frail mortal man 

What for him is best, 

I will ever rest 
In thy mercy, if i can. 

— Hebsc 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



WHEN THEY ARE DEAD 

The gifts of friends we highly treasure, 

When they are dead; 
Recall their smiles with tearful pleasure, 

When they are dead. 
The gift's sweet worth we had not learned 
The smiles, perhaps, were not returned 

Before the}^ died. 

Their praise in gentle tones is spoken , 

When the}^ are dead; 
We press with trembling lips each token, 

When they are dead. 
Oh, had they from those lips ne'er heard 
A cold uns3^mpathetic word 

Before they died? 

No faults to them do we e'er render, 

When they are dead; 
-But mourn their loss in accents tender. 

When they are dead. 



OF HKBKC AND I^ESBIA 87 

Ah, had their tired hearts e'er rejoiced 
To hear their worth and <;oodness voiced 
Before the}^ died? 

AVe touch the cold lips closed forever, 

When they are dead; 
And press the brow that feels it never. 

When the}^ are dead. 
Had they not missed the light caress 
That love and s^mipath}- express 

Before the}^ died? 

How vivid is our recollection, 

When they are dead; 
Of hours that linked our hearts' affection. 

When they are dead. 
Had we not known that human bliss 
Is transient in a world like this 

Before the}^ died? 

Let us recall the cherished faces, 

That now^ are dead; 
Then Christ-like fill our present places. 

Till we are dead, 
I^or well we know that friendships dear, 
And all our joys together here 

Will end in death. 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Withhold not what would help your 
brother, 

Till he be dead; 
Nor sister's praises for another, 

When she is dead. 
Speak now the word his heart to cheer. 
Kiss back the trouble-telling tear 

Before they die. 

— IvESBIA. 



OF HKBKC AND I^ESBIA 89 



THY TOKEN 

When words of love and sympathy are spoken, 
And all conventionalities are broken; 
When eyes brimful of joyous tears are streaming 
And each expressive countenance is beaming, 
Can this mean naught? 

When youth and maiden seek each other's pres- 
ence 
And blend their voices like the whir of pheasants; 
When each in heart would wish the other nearer 
And deem his absence pain, his presence dearer. 
Can this mean naught? 

When gallant youth to true and lovely misses 
Would seal their vows with oft repeated kisses; 
When hearts in flames become first effervescent 
Then liquidate, unite, are coalescent, 
Can this mean naught? 

When lovers, ever constant, in their dreaming, 



90 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

See smiling countenances fairly beaming; 
When hope their b }som fills with sweet affection. 
Until the sacred flames approach perfection. 
Can this mean naught? 

How then can this kind and suggestive token. 
Which could in language ne'er be spoken 
And which is more significant than any — 
Or all, love-smiles, fond kisses, oft and many. 
Betoken naught? 

Indeed, such token can but be expression 
Of some kind soul's most modest true confession 
Of that deep-felt and too sincere affection, 
Which sometimes every heart brings to subjec- 
tion. 



This does mean aught. 



Hebec. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 91 



THE CASTAWAY 

(inscribed TO A DETACHED MUSTACHE.)' 

Thou who lately lay so near 
Manly lips, yet knew no fear, 
Whisper in my listening ear 

Words those lips have spoken. 
Thou in silence well hast heard 
Through the years their every word, 
And they oft thy depths have stirred,. 

Calm repose have broken. 

'Twas thy mission to conceal 
What thine absence must reveal. 
Smiles or scowls that slyly steal 

Shrinking observation. 
Silence fear not now to break; 
Thee no breath shall ever shake, 
Though the zephyr and earthquake 

Sweep thy bare foundation. 



©2 THE COURTSHIP RHYMKS 

Poet's rh3^me, nor songster's skill 
Ne'er thy fibers now shall thrill, 
Nor thine interspaces fill 

To o'erflowing measure. 
Never shalt thou lightly press 
With a loving tenderness 
Lips that answer thy caress 

With a glow of pleasure. 

Gentle words thou ne'er shalt hear 
Whispered to a maiden dear; 
'Close beside her dainty ear 

Thou shalt never hover. 
Soon another, much the same, 
In th}^ place will grow and claim 
What was thine, even thy name, 

All thy joys discover. 

And the hand that bade thee go 
Careful training will bestow, 
That thy young successor grow 

To desired perfection. 
Thine is no uncommon lot; 
Cast away and soon forgot! 
Eyes behold 3^et pit}" not 

Th' object of rejection. 

— LESbia. 



OF HKBBC AND I.ESBIA 93 



FRUIT AND FLOWERS 

Lesbia, dear, 

Another year 
Of toil and pleasure, smile and tear 

Hath crowned thy life 

Amid the strife 
With which this stirring age is rife. 

Older thou art: 

Thy trustful heart 
Hath felt more of that mystic smart, 

That sweet unrest, 

Which each lone breast. 
Possessing, deem.s divinest guest. 

Thy former thought 

Of what is wrought 
In this great world was like to naught: 

Thou seest now 

What men avow, 
•''Who stems the tide must hail the prow. " 



94 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Thy girlish dreams, 

Like mellow beams, 
Or like the merry, laughing streams. 

Have danced on 

And now are gone 
To let true life in beauty dawn. 

Thy life was hope 

That there should ope 
Its petals to its Maker's scope 

Some fragrant rose 

Whose perfume goes 
To fill and scent the lover's nose. 

But whate'er lies 

Before thine eyes 
To bless thy life, to make thee wise, 

'Tis not the flower 

Nor shady bower. 
But precious fruit that hath the power. 

Then thinkest thou 

And dost vow 
That life less than 'twas then is now? 

That what seemed true 

The then to you 
Now seemeth false and all things new? 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 95 

Doth not the fruit 

In its pursuit 
Of fragrant blossoms press the suit? 

Though lovely all 

The blooms that fall, 
The fruit is richer, large or small. 

Why shouldst thou care 

If blossoms fair 
Whose perfume sweet once filled the air, 

Now falleth fast, 

Their petals cast, 
And luscious fruit appears at last? 

This need not be: 

Life is a tree, 
Whose blossoms beautiful may be, 

And yet the air 

Everywhere 
Be filled with fruit-scent, rich and rare. 

May thus be thine 

And thus be mine! 
And, if they ever should entwine, 

May perfume sweet 

Of lives complete 
Betoken both the bloom and wheat! 



96 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Thus will thy birth 

Thy friends on earth 
Remember — ay, extol thy worth. 

God bless the morn 

Whose winding horn 
Announced the day when thou wast born ! 

— Hep. EC. 



OF HKBKC AND LESBIA 97 



A FLIGHT OF FANCY. 

Cometh there a sprite or fairy? 

Some strange presence, blithe and airy, 

Wooes my thoughts away; 
Through the far-off ether wheeling, 
Lightly soaring nearer stealing. 

Cometh now to me. 

Gauzy garments, filmy, rarest, 
Fragile frills around the fairest 

Dainty face. And list! 
Strains of music softly blending 
Into harmony transcending 

Melodies of earth. 

Through the half-transparent cover 
Of an urn, all festooned over 

With remembered fiowers, 
Rises a translucent vapor. 
Soft illumined by timid taper, 

Or a trembling star. 



THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Bright the tiny spherules ghsten. 
Who would not enchanted listen 

To the liquid sounds? 
Who would wish to crush forever 
Withered flowers, or rudely sever 

Vases efflorescent? " 

But the beauty of the vision, 
And the echoing sounds, Elysian, 

Do not come to stay: 
And the noiseless zephyr, laded 
With perfume of flowrets faded, 

Tarries briefly here. 

Yet the fairy-like illusion 
By some mystical diflusion, 

Or some magic art, 
Hath a winsome facination; 
And it maketh meditation 

Passing sweet to-night. 

Thus the golden fetters bind us 
To the sunny days behind us, 

Naught the ties can break. 
Though we cast aside each token. 
Go to distant lands, unbroken 

Is the fairy chain. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 99 

Of all earthly joys we cherish 
Outward symbols fade and perish, 

Wither and decay: 
But the subtle rays re-turning, 
Keep the lights of memory burning 

On from year to year. 

— Lesbia, 



Lc?C. 



100 the: courtship rhymes 



LESBIA'vS BIRTHDAY 

Sixteenth ot June 

Is coming soon 
With flowers, bright and gay, 

When humming bees 

And bow'ry trees 
Shall chase all gloom away. 

As if in spring, 
The birds will sing 

Their sweet and joyful lays,. 
Amid the trees 
And in the breeze — 

In shade or sun-bright raysv 

When grasses green 
And flowers 'tween 

Delight shall ev'ry eye; 
And beauties meet, 
With perfume sweet,. 

To please the passer-byi 



OF HKBKC AND I.ESBIA 101 

When roses fair 

The balmy air 
Perfume with odors rich, 

And ev'ry while 

Some charming smile 
Your very eyes bewitch. 

Ah, then my heart 

In joy will part 
To meet my bonny lass, 

And see her put 

Her shapely foot 
Upon the soft green grass: 

Ah, then we'll roam 

Afar from home 
O'er charming hill and dale; 

For lover's luck 

Would lilies pluck 
When softly breathes the gale.. 

We'll cross the streams 

W^hose water gleams 
With softly silver light; 

Its gentle song 

That flows along 
Drink in with new delight. 



102 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And each song-bird 
Shall then be heard 

By ever-listening ears; 
For nature's art 
Will touch the heart 

And fill the eyes with tears. 

And yet to me 
There e'en would be 

Enchanting more than these 
That maiden fair 
With waving hair 

Afloating in the breeze. 

Her virgin love, 

Like that above, 
Is pure as pure can be — 

Somewhat like mine, 

But more divine 
In that she loveth me. 

The lilies fair 
Would not compare 

"With her so lovely face; 
Nor know they how 
Themselves to bow 

With half her charming grace. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 103 

The balmy air, 

Or fragrance rare 
Of mid- J Line's choicest rose, 

Could not surpass 

This bonny lass, 
When life's rich perfume flows. 

. The blackbird's lay 

Or clink of jay 
Could never seem so choice, 

So sweet and clear 

To eager ear 
As her soft gentle voice. 

How rich the wealth 

Of ruddy health 
•In maiden, meek and mild! 

How ver}^ good 

Is womanhood, 
When mind is undefiled! 

And truly this 

Would make it bliss 
To view the growing corn, 

With her alone 

And thus to own 
The time when she was born. 



104 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

God bless that morn, 

Which did adorn 
The hills with golden light, 

When o'er her cot, 

That sacred spot, 
The sun shone glad and bright! 

A rosy June 

Bestowed the boon 
That sacred makes the day; 

And changed its dearth 

Of joy and mirth 
To fullness, rich and gay. 

The day I praise 

In chosen phrase; 
The month I magnify; 

The harmless dove, 

The gift, I love — 
I love and know not why. 

May coming spring 

Its beauties bring 
Thy birthday, love to crown! 

May blessings great 

Thy life await! 
May smiles! — no pain — no frown!' 

— Hebec. 



OF HKBEC AND I^ESBIA 105 



I^ONHLY 

All this dark dreary day 

Has it rained! It has rained! 
Not the sun's faintest ray, 

For it rained! And it rained! 
Oh, my sad lonely heart! 
Absent! 
Lesbia! Lesbia! 

Still there're clouds in the sky, 

And there're sighs on the breeze; 

But tell me, tell me why 

There are tears on the trees. 

Oh, my sad lonely heart! 

Absent! 

Lesbia! Lesbia! 

From the song of the bird 

In the woodland or lea 
Not a note have I heard, 

Not a hum from the bee. 



106 THE COURTvSHIP RHYMES 

Oh, my sad lonely heart! 

Absent! 

Lesbia! Lesbia! 

Not a creature is glad; 

Not a soul full of mirth; 
All nature looks sad — 

Not a smile on the earth! 
Oh, my sad lonely heart! 
Absent! 

Lesbia! Lesbia! 

Soon this dark dreary day, 

With the clouds and the rain, 
Shall again pass away; 

But the sorrow and the pam 
Of my sad lonely heart! — 
Absent! 
Lesbia! Lesbia! 

— Hebec. 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 107 



A SONG FOR THESE AUTUMN 
DAYS. 

O don't you love the flowers, dear; 

And don't you love the spring? 
And don't you love to watch the brook, 

And hear the birdies sing ! 

And if the world were all your own. 
And you could have your way ; 

O would you have an endless spring 
Of March, then April, May ? 

You know our own sweet springtime, dear ; 

It never yet has flown: 
But March is gone, and April, too; 

Sweet May is left alone. 

But don't you love the summer, dear? 

The birds sing on, you know; 
And blossoms wave and skies are clear, 

While fruits and grasses grow. 



108 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Then sometimes don't you know, my dear, 
That spring is rather sly, 

And steals a morning now and then 
From August and July? 

But oh. thevSe precious autumn days, 
That make the meadows sear! 

Are they not passing sweet, my dear, 
And richest of the year? 

The maple leaves are falling fast 

In showers of bronze and brown. 

The nuts slip out of bursting shells. 
And gaily tumble down. 

The apples from the orchard-trees 
Are piled in crimson heaps; 

And from the husks, yet in the field. 
The corn expectant peeps. 

And, do you know, I fancy, dear. 

The spirit of the spring 
Comes gently into autumn time. 

And cheers up ev'ry thing? 

Yes, even in the winter time, 



OF HKBEC AND I^KSBIA 109 

Amid the ice and snow, 
This springtime spirit is abroad, 
Its gladness to bestow. 

For beauty, warmth, and sweetness, dear, 

Are in all seasons found; 
And sunshine cometh all the year, 

And scatters light around. 

So don't you hope with me, my dear, 

That when our May is done, 
We'll find the love that sweetens it 

Is only just begun? 

Through summer time, and autumn time, 

And wintertime, my dear, 
O don't you want the love of May 

To brighten all the 3'ear? 

— Lesbia, 



110 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



WHIP-POOR-WILL 

What stillness withoutl 
What silence within! 
No creature about; 
No motion, no din — 
Save the lone but sweet note of a bird 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will." 

The lovely full moon, 
Serene and so bright, 
Like spring sun at noon, 
Shed mellow soft light 
O'er the bird of the sad but sweet note: 
"Whip poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will,. 
Whip-poor-will," 

And balmy spring breeze 



OF HEBEC AND EESBIA 111 

With fragrance, sweet, fair. 
From blossoming trees 
Flows every where, 
With the sad plaintive lay of that bird: 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip-poor-will." 

I listen — I hear 
The plaintive sweet song 
From woodland so drear. 
The weary night long; 
'Tis that bird's lonely note, his sad song: 
"Whip-poor-will, whip poor- will, 
Whip-poor-will, wliip- poor- will. 
Whip-poor-will." 

I think of my love. 
My darling, my dear, 
My sweet heart, my dove, 
Whenever I hear 
The sad note, the lone song of that bird ; 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip-poor-will." 



112 THE COURTSHIP RHYMKS 

I think her alone 
In woodland or lea. 
Her thoughts all unknown, 
Perchance, about me! 
Or that bird's lonely note, his long song; 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will 
Whip-poor-will." 

A kind-hearted maid, 
Sweet-tempered is she: 
No beauty can fade 
Where sweetness is free, 
As the note and the song of that bird: 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip poor- will, whip-poor-will ^ 
Whip-poor-will." 

I pledge her my heart, 
Affection, my life; 
I pledge not in part. 
Should she be my wife, 
By the note, the lone song of that bird 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-wilL whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will." 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 113 

Then life would be sweet, 
Our duty no task, 
And virtue complete — 
What more could I ask? 
Save the bird's lonely note and sweet 
song: 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whippoor-will." 

But could it be so? 
And shall it be ever? 
It may be? may? no! 
It must be! never — 
Oh, the lone lonely note of that bird! 
''Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will." 

Still pensive and sad 
And lonely I sit. 
Though hopes may be glad. 
For cares I'm unfit, 
While the whip poor-will sings his sad 
strain: 
''Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 



114 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will." 

Sad bird of my dreams: 
Sweet song of the night! 
My sorrows like streams 
O'er flow with thy flight, 
And the hush of thy lonely sweet song: 
"Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, 
Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will. 
Whip poor- will." 

— Hebec. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 115 



GOOD NIGHT TO HEBKC 

The sky this glorious summer eve, 

In all its waning beaut}^ 

Invites my thoughts to those I love. 

It were a pleasant duty, 

With thee to view 

The gray and blue 

Commingling in a rosy hue, 

My friend, Hebec. 

Our lives, methinks, are like the tints 

That in this changing weather, 
The gray above, the blue below. 
Unite and make together 
A finer tone 
Than one alone 
In brightest sunshine could have shown 
To please, Hebec. 

And to the south, among the trees, 
I hear a dove's low cooing: 



116 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Borne on the wind, far off it sounds, 
Like lovers' gentle wooing. 
If thou wert here, 
The sound, half drear, 

Would charm thy music-loving ear, 
I think, Hebec. 

The orchard has a merry crowd 

Of songsters softly trilling 
A good-night lay; the gleeful sound 
My very heart is thrilling; 
All doubts and fears, 
All sighs and tears, 
Are lost and present blessing cheers 
To-night, Hebec. 

And, like the bird that all alone 
This moment flew above me, 
My soul is glad. Not far away 
Are trusted ones that love me. 
When cares oppress. 
They love no less; 
But cling with deeper tenderness 
To me, Hebec. 

I look across the fields of grain. 



OF HKBEC ANTD LES^BIA llT 

Some green and others golden, 
And see a roof and chimney-top 
Above the trees so olden: 
You'll guess the spot, 
'Tis not forgot. 
Though far from childhood's home you'll 
not 
Forget, Hebec. 

I wonder, in this gray twilight, 

If there are 'round you twining 
So many scenes and sounds and thoughts- 
To still all your repining! 
Not far away 
At close of day. 
Are friends who ne'er forget to pray 
For you, Hebec. 

The stars are shining in the sky; 

The birds' ''good-nights" are ended: 
Yet now and then a harsher sound, 
With cricket's chirp is blended. 
The stars' soft light 
This tranquil night 
Shine o'er us both, serene and bright: 
Good-night, Hebec. 

— Lesbia>.. 



118 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



DOST THOU REMEMBER, LOVE ? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
When first we met ? 
'Twas in a coiintr}^ schoolhouse, love, 

The spring of sevent5^-four: 
So thou wast but a thoughtless child. 
And I was nothing more; 
But I forget. 
Eesbia, 
Dost thou remember ? 

Dost thou remember, love. 
When older, we 
Around another schoolhouse pla5'ed 

So oft and merrily ? 
The house is gone, been moved away; 
But stands in memor}^ 
There still for me. 
Ivcsbia, 
Dost thou remember? 



OF HEBEC AND EESBIA 119 

Dost thou remember, love, 

The star-light eve, 

When first thou 3neldest to ni}^ wish; 

And we a happ}^ twain 
Went silentl}^ and thoughtfully^ 
Along that narrow lane? 
The thought I leave. 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
Another time, 
AVhen we were going single-file 

Along an osage-hedge. 
In fact, were coming 'cross a ditch, 
Thou tumbledst o'er its edge? 
The mire and slime! 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love. 
That at the gate 
I did request a privilege; 

And there thou promised then 
To grant, whenever I should wish. 

Me leave to call asrain? 



120 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

That sacred date! 
I^esbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
One afternoon, 
While rustic health, like perfume, filled 

The pure and balmy air, 
What sudden mutu'l hopes sprang up, 
Which only love could dare? 
That virgin boon! 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
When in the west, 
-We rambled o'er the barren rocks, 

And up and down the hills; 
O'er prairies green, along the brook, 
Across the leaping rills. 
Till glad to rest? 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
The pleasant days 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 121 

We Spent conversing with each other, 

In friendship, loyal, true, 
In kindest thoughts and wishes best — 
Perhaps affection, too? 
Sweet morning rays! 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love; 
When last we met? 
How earnest were our words and thoughts 

Of future hopes and fears; 

How tender feelings gathered then 

To dry the fount of tears. 

Can I forget? 

Lesbia, 

Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love. 
The letters, brief. 
Which oft convej^ed our humble thoughts 

In friendship's modest phrase? 
In friendly caution, timelj' jest? 
In compliments, or praise? 
In joy or grief, 
Lesbia, 



122 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Dost thou remember? 

Dost thou remember, love, 
Without regret, 
The simple tokens of regard. 

Which we received and sent? 
A}^, treasured, too, with tender care 
Their manifest intent? 
We have them yet! 
Lesbia, 
Dost thou remember? 

Wilt thou remember, love, 
Lest ever twain 
We part asunder, once for aye, 

And o'er life's solemn sea 
Sail all alone, that love-born souls 
May ever loyal be? 
Come joy or pain, 
Lesbia, 
Wilt thou remember? 

— Hebec. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 123 



TEN YEARS AGO AND NOW 

The morning I remember not, 

When first our young e3es met; 

To me thou wast as others then, 
And then I too forget. 

1 dreamed not in those careless hours 

That some day e'en the birds and flowers 
V Would bring me thoughts of thee. 

The faces that were with us 

I now remember not; 
Their words and acts, their smiles and 
frowns. 

Are now alike forgot. 
If thou from me hadst gone so far, 
The flowers, the birds, the shining star 

Would bring no thoughts of thee. 

But I remember yet the eve. 

Remember it too well, 
When from my lips m falt'ring tones 



124 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

That timid answer fell. 
But then I had no hopes, no tears 
That when had passed ten fleeting years, 

I yet should think of thee. 

And I remember after that 

Thou was not quite the same 

To me. ISJo longer could I speak 
In thoughtless tones thy name. 

Ah, that was ten long years ago! 

Those days, I would not have thee know 
I ever thought of thee. 

Now I remember walks and drives 
Beneath a cloudless sky, 

Since our first walk ten years ago, 
And ere our last good-bye. 

Sometimes the thoughts I would dismiss; 

Sometimes I deem it doubtful bliss 
To think of these and thee. 

'The letters thou didst write to me 
Are treasured yet with care; 

But I've no need to read them o'er 
To know the words they bear. 

Though silent and unread to-day, 



OF H^BKC AND IvESBIA 125 

Remembered they must be for aye: 
And they bring thoughts of thee. 

Thy thoughts and fancies, dreams and 
hopes, 

In poesy I've read; 
O, do not tell me it is real, 

While they are nothing, dead. 
Thy words and tokens are but naught. 
If they express no wish, no thought. 

No message bring of thee. 

Change, if thou wilt; but never may 

I doubt that thou art true: 
Or that thy works and life are pure, 

As sparkling morning dew. 
In books and songs, in flowers and birds. 
And in the poet's tender words. 

Still there are thoughts of thee. 

— Lesbia. 



126 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 



DO I REMEMBER? 

Do I remember, love, 

That dreary autumn night, 

When last we met? 
How bright, how very bright. 
Our hopes were yet? 
Yes, I remember. 

Do I remember, love. 

How sweet the tender thought 

We then expressed? 
Which all its trophies brought 
That we be blest? 

Yes, I remember. 

Do I remember, love. 

Our mutual hearts as one 

In pulses beat 
To whatever was done 
Our eyes to greet? 
Yes, I remember. 



OF HKBEC AND I^KSBIA 127 

Do I remember, love, 

That one last parting hour, 

Which broke our hearts 
And crushed life's sweetest flowers, 
Its sweetest parts? 

Yes, I remember. 

Do I remember, love, 

The last kind word then spoken? 

The smile, the tear. 
The hearts all crushed and broken? 
The hope, the fear? 
Yes, I remember. 

Do I remember, love, 

When parting words were o'er; 

When I had left. 
And thee could see no more, 
1 was bereft? 

I do remember! 

— Hebkc. 



128 the: courtship rhymes 



THE CONTESTANTS 

A battle in the realms of thought 

This morning I discover. 
O golden sunlight enter not 

The darkened halls to-day; 
Let twilight stay, 
In robes of gray, 
Until the conflict's over. 

O merry songsters in the trees. 

Have pity on my sorrow, 
And cease your songs, have pity please; 
And hush your merry trill; 
Let all be still 
And calm, until 
Doth dawn some peaceful morrow. 

O flow'rets, sweet among the grass, 
You are too fair this morning! 

Droop low your petals as I pass; 
And let the gems of dew 



OF HKBEC AND I^KSBIA 129 

Fall down: they, too, 
Seem to my view 
Indifferent adorning. 

And snowy clouds in yonder blue, 

You are not one whit sadder 
Than yester morn. O nature true, 
I would not see or hear 
Thy beauties, dear. 
They can not cheer. 
Until my heart is gladder. 

For Doubt spoke bitterly to Love; 

And modest Love, first glancing 
Adown; then, innocent, above. 
Was ready to reply, 

When Pride so sly. 
Her skill to try, 
Stopped Love, by art entrancing. 

Then wounded Love hung low her head, 
Yet none perchance had missed her; 
For haughty Pride stood in her stead. 
And strove to her disguise: 
But Hope's bright eyes 
Found out the prize, 
And stole to Love and kissed her. 



130 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Then lovely Trust returned to claim 
Her place; but doubt contended 
That she alone would be to blame, 
Should love be doomed to weep 
In darkness, deep, 
While Hope, asleep. 
No longer her befriended. 

And Pride in tinseled garb arrayed, 

Her gilded screen was lifting; 
While Love and Trust and Hope, dis- 
mayed. 
Bowed tearful, as in prayer; 
O summer air, 
O flow'rets fair, 
The heavy clouds are shifting. 

For Love will conquer over Pride, 

She dare not contradict her; 
She moves the gaudy screen aside; 
And then with dewy eyes, 
As tides arise 
'Neath murky skies. 
She comes, a gentle victor. 

Then nature, sing all merry songs; 



OF HEBKC AND LKSBIA 131 

And breathe no more of sadness; 
For Love will right the cheerless wrongs;; 
And Doubt no longer stays: 
But Trust's glad praise, 
And Hope's new lays 
Fill earth and air with gladness! 

— Lesbia, 



132 THK COURTSHIP RHYMKS 



IN REFBRBNCE 

Lesbia, friend, 

My words attend 
With honest heart and void of fear; 

And I will tell 

The story well, 
That it may cost you ne'er a tear. 

Thou'st heard it o'er 

Oft times before 
From my own tongue or faithful pen; 

Yet 1, in thought. 

An impulse caught 
To tell it over once again. 

'Twas when a child, 

'Mid fancies wild, 
I first beheld thy face; 

And read thine heart — 

Most human part! 
The seat of love, devotion, grace I 



OF HKBKC AND LESBIA 133 

Thou wast not then 

What since thou'st been 
E'en to my inner thought and life; 

Thou wast not true, 

And loyal, too. 
By very deed in real strife. 

In time we grew 

To friendships new, 
New hopes with cares, new thoughts 
with years; 

Through which there came 

To us the same 
Experience of smiles and tears. 

Those moments, all, 

I now recall 
With pleasure both and sad regret; 

Some mem'ries thrill. 

While others fill 
My heart with scenes I'll ne'er forget. 

Perchance, the view 
Is plain to you 
In all its mystery throughout; 
Then let it rise 



134 THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

Before thine eyes 
To calm thy fear, remove thy doubt. 

The vision now 

Does not allow 
Great mutu'l hopes of future years; 

Before our eyes 

Dark clouds arise 
To dim our hopes, arouse our fears. 

Shall we obey 

These signs which say, 
'Tis but the hand of Providence? 

Or shall we turn 

Our backs and spurn 
Them all as false, to violence? 

I do not know 

What good may flow 
From our strange friendship in the past; 

Nor know what ill 

May mingle still 
With all our joys both first and last. 

And yet 'twould seem 
There is a gleam 



OF HKBEC AND LESBIA 135 

Of mellow sunshine in my soul, 

That calms my fears 

And dries my tears, 
Of life, illuminates the whole. 

So then I trust, 

Let come what must. 
For ev'ry sorrow, grief, or pain 

Our lives within, 

We, too, shall win 
Some good, some noble feelings gain. 

— Hebec. 



136 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



THE UNFINISHED DREAM 

While I lay one night a-sleeping, 
Sweetly in my cloistered cell, 

Came a dream like springtime creeping, 
Till o'er me its beauty fell. 

Twinkling stars above were glancing 
O'er the tree-tops, through the pane, 

And the wooing winds were dancmg 
On the waves with might and main. 

In this strangely conscious slumber, 
Saw I 'mong the friends of yore 

One whose heart with equal number 
Beat as beat our hearts before. 

Roses, fragrant beyond measure. 

Hung upon her blooming cheek; 

Eyes her too expectant pleasure 

Seemed with looks of love to speak. 



OF HKBKC AND I^KSBIA 137 

How my heart responded ever 

To her eager waiting heart! 
But within, I chuckled, never 

With m , cherished hope to part — 

Till I greeted other faces, 

Smiling on me from the crowd, 

Then to take her proffered graces. 

With a welcome, kind and proud. 

When I turned to give her greeting, 
Suddenl}^ my dream had fled; 

Oh, how transient and how fleeting 

Were the hopes which I had wed! 

Then I wished that I had spoken 
To my love, my darling, first; 

That I had not basely broken 

Sacred claims — but that I durst! 

Let to m.e this be a warning 

'Gainst the crafty thief of time; 

Lest he steal away the morning 
Of my life, its reason, rhyme. 

— Hebec 



138 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



THE FINISHED DREAM 

Draw the curtains closer, mother, 

Let none hear save thee and me; 

While I tell thee, dearest mother, 
Just how sweet a dream can be. 

This cold world would frown upon me^ 
Should it hear my ended dream; 

Colder than the glittering iceberg. 
On me would its glances gleam. 

But thy love is true, dear mother. 
And I know thy gentle heart 

Will not mock the pain it costs me 

From this cherished dream to part. 

Thou hast known me well, dear mother; 

Yet I think thou hast not known, 
That my girlhood's hopes were centered 

In this dream I've dreamed alone. 



OF HEBEC AND LESBIA 139 

In my early school-days, mother, 
Was begun this lovely dream; 

And it grew in beauty, mother, 

As I floated down life's stream. 

In the dream I saw, dear mother, 

Often a familiar face; 
But of future pain and parting. 

Saw I in the dream no trace. 

In the bright and balmly morning, 

While the dew gleamed on the 
flowers. 

To the past, with sweet thought laden. 
Swiftly passed the golden hours. 

Busy noon and quiet evening. 

Some strange, new, sweet fancy 
brought; 

Back into the past's dim hallways, 
Carried each a happy thought. 

Ah, I need not, dearest mother. 

Speak or whisper any name: 
Thou dost know but one who ever 

All my woman's trust can claim. 



140 THK COURTSHIP RHYMKS 

Well do I remember, mother, 

When I last looked in his eye: 

When he clasped my hand and gently 
Spoke the parting word — Good-bye. 

All the words of that last evening 
Linger in my mem'ry yet; 

Oh, sometimes, my dearest mother. 
Were it better to forget. 



But so long as life endureth, 

Shall this dream live in my mind; 

Though the sweetness leaves it, mother 
Bitter dregs will stay behind. 

This fair world is wicked, mother, 
When we view it as a whole; 

But 'tis dear and good and tender. 
When we understand each soul. 

Many tears of grief have fallen; 

Many broken hearts have bled, 
With no earthly friend to comfort; 

None to hold the aching head. 



OF HKBEC AND I^ESBIA 141 

But the friends are here, dear mother, 
Tender, loving, gentle, good; 

Yet we draw a screen around us: 
We are never understood. 

Hearts are gentle, loving mother, 

But, alas! we dare not trust; 
They are frail and human, mother, 

Changing, weak, and erring dust. 

Pray, dear mother, that your daughter 
Strong and pure may ever be; 

That when life's vague dream is ended, 
Heaven's light her eyes may see. 

— Lesbia, 



142 the: courtship rhymes 



THE MAID OF THE MII.1^ 

'Tis a soft balmy day, 
Like a morning in May: 

'Tis a joy — 

No alloy — 
To think, as I will, 
Of the maid of the mill. 

The white clouds are a-float, 
Or sailing like a boat 

Without crew 

On the blue — 
They smile! smiling still! 
Like the maid of the mill. 

And the buds — how they swell! 
And the grass in the dell 

Is as green 

As I've seen, 
Since I stood on the hill 
With the maid of the mill. 



OF HKBEC AND I^KSBIA 143 

'Twas so sunny and bright: 
And all nature alight 

From above 

With that love 
Which my bosom did fill, 
And the maid's of the mill. 

Majestic and old 

Was the river that rolled 

Ever on; 

Never gone: 
vSo my love floweth still 
For the maid of the mill. 

There vvere hillocks and dales; 
There vvere zephyrs and gales, 

Within sight 

On the right, 
Which made my heart thrill — 
For the maid of the mill. 

And the turtle's sweet voice 
To the dove of his choice 

Reached our ear; 

Sounded so clear 
That it made my voice trill 



144 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

To the maid of the mill. 

I remember so well 

How those gentle words fell 

From her lips — 

Honey drips — 
That betoken no ill 
Of the maid of the mill. 

Wherever I roam, 

I shall think of that home, 

Of the trees 

And the breeze, 
Of the dove on the hill, 
And the maid oi the mill. 

— Hebec. 



OF HKBEC AND LKSBIA 145 



WOMAN'S QUESTIONS 

The bells ring out a sad sweet chime, 
The bells of golden summer-time, 
And say, "Go forth to work sublime, 

Ere life be past." 
And fragrant breezes, gently blowing, 
And dimpled waters, lightly flowing. 
Say, "Surely time is swiftly going. 

It can not last." 

AfTse, my iieart, no longer hope 
That fairer flowers to you will ope: 
Behold that now your present scope 

Sufficient is. 
The morning light aslant is streaming; 
The mother earth with new life teeming; 
'Tis not, my heart, a time for dreaming 

Of future bliss. 

Long have you fondly hoped for more 
Of joy than this life held in store; 



146 THE COURTSHIP RHYMKS 

But can you paint, try o'er and o'er, 

A fairer scene, 
Than this to which so oft returning. 
New joys each time you are discerning, 
And for its view all others spurning, 

The past's sweet sheen. 

What more of beauty could be blent, 

To satisfy, in what is sent 

This present hour? why not content, 

O waiting heart? 
Why to the past so often straying, 
Among its ruins long delaying? 
Why by one face in silence praying. 

So loth to part? 

No ideal high of former years 

To you in this calm face appears; 

No strange enchantment thus endears, 

And holds you there. 
Unseen the fibers are entwining; 
Unknown to ail your lone repining; 
Unfelt the rays that ever shining 

Make love so fair. 

You painted in your girlish dreams 



OF HEBEC AND tESBIA 147 

With gentle strokes of shade, and gleams 
Of love light, thrown in silver beams, 

An ideal home: 
And the twilight's somber gloaming, 
From her he loves no longer roaming. 
Your hero, in those dreams, was coming, 

Dispelling gloom. 

His heart was gentle-like to 3^ou, 
So trusting, faithful, kind, and true; 
No doubts you, in that picture, drew 

To mar its grace. 
His stronger arm your fears dispelling. 
His wiser head your mind excelling: 
But love, in both hearts equal, dwelling; 

None could dispel. 

Is this, the heart near which you dwell, 
Is this, the presence loved so well, 
Your ideal realized? Dispel 

The thought, I pray. 
Such sentimental thoughts and sighing 
Leave love-lorn minds, yourself denying, 
In truth and not in dreams relying 

For joys that stay. 

Ah, heart of mine, the dreams of youth 



148 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 

We gladly leave. It is the truth 
We glean to-day, like pensive Ruth^ 

In fields we've known. 
The words so gently 'round you pealing^ 
The scenes that wake such tender feeling, 
Are not of Phantasy's revealing; 

But mem'ry's own. 

The face whose impress now you bear; 
The heart that now your love doth share; 
The name you breathe in earnest prayer. 

And guileless love — 
Though in your dreams persistent blend- 
ing, 
And to your hopes and anchor lending. 
Are yet but frail mankind's, depending 

On One above. 

And now before you leave me so, 
And to him aH unbidden go; 
It is but just that I should know 

If he would prize 
Your worth above all earthly blessings 
Or, if when all your hopes possessing. 
He'd value not the boon, confessing 

With truthful eyes. 



OF HKBKC AND LKSBIA 149 

Go bid him search his heart for thee, 

And answer, if in it there be 

A love so strong, so pure, so free. 

As you bestow. 
Bid him with candor unrelenting 
To speak; no kindly wish preventing 
What, if unsaid, may bring repenting 

And greater woe. 

Ask if his heart is wanting still 
A need that you can not fulfill; 
If chords another heart doth thrill, 

Untouched by you. 
Does his success bring treasured glancing 
From other eyes — like fireflies dancing 
'Mid starry night — his bliss enhancing 

B}^ conquests new. 

Ask if when lonely, sad, oppressed. 
Another image fills his breast, 
Whose gentle voice he loveth best 

To greet his ear. 
Ask if his future be completer, 
And the fields be brighter, neater; 
If life and love be purer, sweeter. 

When you are near. 



15© THE COURTSHIP RHYMES 

And oh, my heart, inquire if he 
Could ever patient, changeless be; 
And if the faults he found in me, 

He could forgive. 
Could he illume the hour benighted; 
Console when cherished hopes were 

blighted, — 
If hearts and hands were thus united, 

'Twere bliss to live. 

Ask if in deepest sorrow bowed, 
Loved faces, hid by pall and shroud, 
He yet would see beneath the cloud 

A ray of liglit. 
And if with me devoutly kneeling. 
Our prayers as one in thought and feeling. 
Could rise, while through the rifts come 
stealing 

A faith more. bright. 

Youth's beauty soon will pass av/ay; 
Youth's strength may fail us in a day; 
But loyal hearts are true for aye — 

Does his beat true? 
Be sure, my heart, ere gone forever, 
That naught but death can e'er dissever 



OF HKBEC AND LKSBIA 151 

Your mutual love and hrust, that never 
The act you'll rue. 

Now, roaming heart, to me return; 
Impart the thought that you discern 
Within his mind. Then do you yearn 

To risk it all? 
Too wiHful heart! and too confiding! 
Our faith, in God and man abiding, 
Says that the veil is only hiding 

Plans best for all. 

— Lesbia. 



152 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



MAN'S ANvSWER 

Welcome, message, to my heart; 
How it makes my life-blood start, 
Burn and sting in ev'ry part. 

With a strange sweet pain!' 
Fills me with the calmest peace; 
Causes all my doubts to cease; 
Makes my ev'ry hope increase, 

Till I trust attain. , 

Messenger of peace and love, 

Hills and mountain-heights aboy^,. : .. 

Swiftly as a swift-winged do^e. 

Bear my message, too. 
She that bade thee unto me. 
She that sent kind words by thee,. 
She whose queries were so free — 

Tell her I am true. 

Tel' my love I bow in dust, 
Ere I cease in her to trust. 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 153 

Tell her e'en if gold should rust, 
Love shall fail us never; 

And her own true image, rare, 

Like an angel, bright and fair, 

Shineth bright and brighter there 
In my heart forever. 

Teli her that I now confess 
Love my tongue can not express; 
Only heart can feel, can guess 

What its nature is; 
Tell her trust, oh trust my word; 
Let m}^ wooing heart be heard. 
Till her own is gently stirred, — 

All her soul is bliss. 

Then return, love's messenger; 
Think the tend'rest thoughts of lier; 
Think me not a heartless sir; 

'Bide with me again 
Let there 'tween us be no strife; 
Thou shalt be my fount of life; 
She my love, my own, my wife: 

One shall we be then. 

— Hebec. 



154 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



MY I.OVER 

One week ago my lover came, 

My lover, kind and true, 
His coming gave me mingled joy, 

Gave pain and pleasure, too. 
As ever in the past we talked; 

Our joys and sorrows blended: 
And then my lover rose to go — 

Another visit ended. 

The visit ended! yes, but we 

Had yet to say good-bye; 
We oft had said it in the past 

With just a little sigh. 
To-night I thought 'twould be the same, 

Some gentle words to grieve me, 
A little hope, a warm handclasp, 

And then alone he'd leave me. 

He spoke the tender words I prized; 
He clasped my hand, and so 



OF HEBKC AND LESBIA 155 

I heard again, "I will be true;" 

And still he did not go. 
And then — oh! was it wrong? Did stars, 

So calm and still above nie, 
Look down to see and hear him sa^-, 

"Now, truly, do you love me?" 

I felt his breath upon my cheek, 

Nor shrank from his caress; 
Then could he doubt my love for him, 

Which words could not express? 
Ah! could he doubt my love and still 

Believe me pure and blameless? 
To love him not and listen then, 

Would prove me false and shameless. 

O quiet was the summer night, 

And cloudless was the sk}^; 
And pleasant is the memory of 

Our last prolonged good-bye; 
And sweet it is to watch and wait, 

To ponder and discover 
Each day new bliss in olden thoughts — 

About an absent lover. 

— Lrsbia.. 



156 THK COURTSHIP RHYMES 



MARRIAGE 

Marriage is a sea 

lyike eternit}^ 
Broad as life, its depths above; 

A}- , an ocean wide, 

On whose swelling tide 
Floats the ark of life and love. 

Whosoever fail 
O'er this sea to sail 

Can not know the joy of life; 
Whosoever do — 
Loyal hearts and true — 

Joy and peace know, never strife. 

O'er its bosom blue 
Soon thine image, too 

Shall in perfect bliss be borne: 
Soon th}^ fondest hope 
Real leaves shall ope — 

Ay, a rose for every thorn. 



OF HEBEC AND I^ESBIA 157 

Life shall never seem 

More to be a dream ; 
But a sweet reality: 

And the perfume sweet 

Of a life complete 
Shall betoken loyalty. 

When the blossoms all 

Have begun to fall, 
Flutt'ring down unto the ground, 

Then there doth appear 

Luscious fruit and dear 
Scenting all the air around. 

May thy life be so! 

Be it richer, though, 
In fair blossoms, precious fruit. 

Blessings let attend 

Thee both and th}^ friend! 
Heaven make your life's pursuit! 

Angels, touch your golden lyres, 

Let celestial anthems rise: 
Swell the chorus, nuptial choirs; 

Love-born music, fill the skies. 

— Hebec. 



INDEX. 



First Shall Be Last— Hebcc i 

To Hebec— Lesbia lo 

True Hearts Change Not — Lesbia 17 

Winona— Debec : 31 

Eugenia— Lesbia : 41 

Pains of Parting— Hebec . . 53 

VVouldst Thou Forget— Lesbia 55 

A Merry Chri.stmas -Lesbia 57 

Hebec's Dream — Hebec 59 

Among the Willows — Lesbia .. 63 

His Ideal— Hebec 6S 

Christmas Thoughts ot Christian Dut\ — Lesbia. ... 70 

VVouldst Thou Care — Hebec 75 

Twilight Prayers — Lesbia. ... 77 

In my Den — Hebec 79 

When They Are Dead— Lesbia 86 

Thy Token^ — Hebec 89 

The Castaway — Ltsbia 9^ 

Fruit and Flowers — Hebec 93 

A Flight of Fancy — Lesbia 97 

Lesbia's Birthday— Hebec 100 

Lonely— Hebec ". 105 

A Song of These Autumn Days — Lesbia 107 

Whip-poor-will — Hebec " no 

Goodnight to Hebec — Lesbia. . 115 

Dost Thou Remember, Lovu? — Hebec 118 

Ten Years Ago and Now — Lesbia 123 

Do I Remember? — Hel)ec 126 

The Contestants — Lesbia 128 

In Reference — Hebec 132, 

The Unfinished Dream— Hebec • 136 

The Finished Dream — Lesbia 138 

The Maid of the Mill— Hebec. . 142 

Woman's Questions -Lesbia 145 

Man's Answer— Hebec 152 

My Lover — Lesbia... I54 

Marriage — Hebec 156 




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